5 Tips for Healthy Eyes During the Summertime
As you get ready to enjoy some sun and fun this summer, don’t forget to take extra care of your eyes. Your eyes are more prone to damage because the sun is strongest at this time of the year.
Ensuring adequate eye care and proper eye protection will keep your eyes happy and healthy. Keep reading to learn 5 tips for caring for your eyes and vision this summer.
1. Stay Hydrated
Due to hotter summer weather, it’s easy to get dehydrated, affecting your eyes. Dehydration makes it harder for you to produce sufficient tears, resulting in dry eyes and other vision problems.
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help keep dehydration and dry eyes at bay. How much water you should drink depends on the individual but aim for at least eight glasses daily.
Eating water-rich fruits and vegetables can also ensure your body and eyes have enough water. These include watermelon, cucumbers, strawberries, celery, lettuce, and zucchini.
2. Prevent Eye Strain
Too much time looking at your smartphone, tablet, desktop, laptop, and television can lead to eye strain. Looking at digital devices and screens decreases your blink rate, which can cause dry eyes.
Digital eye strain can make your eyes feel tired and uncomfortable. This may reduce your ability to focus. Other symptoms of eye strain include:
- Blurred vision
- Redness
- Itchy eyes
- Double vision
- Teary eyes
- Headaches
- Neck and shoulder pain
Using the 20-20-20 rule is an easy way to remember to take frequent breaks. The rule states that every 20 minutes, you should look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds to prevent eye strain.
Also, remember to blink often while doing this. Blinking spreads a thin layer of tears across your eyes, which keeps them from drying out.
3. Use Eye Drops
During summer, most people spend a lot of time outside. Increased sun exposure, salt from the ocean, chlorine from pools, indoor cooling units, and dust particles in the air might cause or exacerbate dry eyes.
Over-the-counter artificial tears or eye drops can moisturize your eyes and alleviate dry eye symptoms. Additionally, avoid sitting directly under the airflow coming from air conditioning to prevent dry eyes.
4. Wear Quality Sunglasses and Hats
Long-term exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can lead to serious eye problems in the future, like macular degeneration and cataracts. So, wear polarized sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to shield your eyes whenever you step outside.
5. Schedule Routine Eye Exams
It’s essential to schedule frequent eye exams to maintain your eye and vision health. If you haven’t visited your eye doctor since the year started, this is a great time to book an appointment.
Regular eye exams can help detect issues like eye strain, dry eyes, and other vision changes before they worsen.
Protect Your Sight This Summer
These tips, combined with comprehensive eye and vision care from Short Hills Ophthalmology, can ensure you enjoy crisp, clear vision for years to come.
Not sure when your last eye exam was? Schedule your appointment at Short Hills Ophthalmology in Short Hills and Clifton, NJ, today for healthy eyes all summer!
