Brighter, warmer days can make us all feel more cheerful, but it’s important to be aware of the damage that can be done to your peepers
WORDS: SARAH TULLOCH PHOTOS: GETTY
Summer may be the time when we enjoy sunny afternoons at the seaside and picnics in the park, but it can also play havoc with our eyes.
“Over time, exposure to UV rays and things like sea salt and chlorine can negatively impact eye health,” says Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy. He also points out that eyes can become dry more quickly in the summer months due to exposure to air conditioning.
“Maintaining hydration and using UV-blocking sunglasses are key,” Dr Grant advises. “And remember to stock up on over-the-counter treatments to reduce inflammation caused by dry eyes.”
Conjunctivitis is another common summer eye health issue, and can make your eyes itch, burn and water. It is caused by infections and allergies but is treatable with drops or ointment.
Dr Grant says, “It’s important to avoid sharing items such as towels or swimming goggles. Antibiotic treatments are available over the counter and can kill the bacteria causing the infected eye.”
Dr Grant also recommends contact lens wearers to switch to wearing glasses for periods of the day to give your eyes time to rest – and to go for regular check-ups.
Meanwhile, hay fever affects one in four people in the UK, often leading to red, itchy eyes. This Morning star Professor Adam Fox, who’s an allergy specialist, adds, “Lesser-known symptoms are swelling of the eyelids, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and eyelids that feel difficult to open in the morning.”
To keep your peepers as healthy as possible this summer, follow these five simple steps...
1 WEAR SUNGLASSES
Not only do sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays, they also provide a barrier to stop pollen from flying into your eyes.
Oversized designs offer the most protection, thanks to their wide surface area. You’re also less likely to subconsciously touch your delicate eye area when you’re wearing sunglasses.
2 AVOID RUBBING YOUR EYES
Rubbing irritated eyes is likely to cause even more inflammation. Tina Patel, optician at Feel Good Contacts explains, “Rubbing your eyes releases histamine, which aggravates allergy symptoms further. And rubbing them with dirty hands is likely to expose eyes to bacteria. This can lead to infections such as con
