Taking care of them during hotter and drier days will future-proof your vision for the years ahead
We all know we should slather on sun lotion to protect our skin from sunburn, but many of us neglect our eyes during spring and summer. Eyes are 10 times more sensitive to the sun than our skin and excessive
sun exposure can cause irreversible damage and even lead to blindness. Here’s how to keep yours safe...
KNOW THE DANGERS
If your eyes are exposed to too much UV radiation, you could be at increased risk of conditions such as corneal sunburn, skin cancers on your eyelids and around the eyes, cataracts and related progressive vision loss, and macular degeneration. Damage can also occur when sunlight shines off water, sand and other reflective surfaces into your eyes. UV rays burn the surface of the eye and can cause pain, redness, blurriness and even temporary vision loss.
PICK SUNGLASSES WISELY
Sunglasses will help protect your eyes, so it’s essential to wear them on both sunny and cloudy days, when UV rays can still cause damage. Worryingly, nearly three-quarters of us who wear sunglasses are more concerned about how they look, rather than if they’re safe to wear*. This vanity could cost us dearly.
‘Look for sunglasses that offer UV400 or 100% protection against UVA and UVB rays,’ says registered optometrist Sarah Farrant. Avoid tinted glasses (they can trick eyes into dilating, allowing more UV light to enter without offering protection) and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
SWIM SAVVY
Going for a dip? Contact lenses and water do not mix. Bodies of water can be contaminated with bacteria and microorganisms that become trapped between your eye and the contact lens. Remove lenses before swimming to reduce the risk of serious eye infection.
Even if you don’t wear lenses, swimming can cause problems. ‘Chlorine from pools can also cause irritation, so wear well-fitting goggles and use eye drops post-swim to help soothe them,’ says Sarah. Avoid touching your eyes when using communal areas or if you’re outside and haven’t washed your hands. Once your hands are clean, splash your eyes with fresh water to reduce irritation.
KEEP MOISTURISED
‘Air humidity plays a huge role in how comfortable our eyes feel, as high humidity can directly dry eyes out,’ Sarah explains. Low humidity can be bad, too. ‘An air-conditioned environment reduces humidity in the air, affecting the quality of your tear film.’ That’s why our eyes feel parched
