5 Ways to Get Your Eyes Ready for Summer

As the weather gets warmer and the days grow longer, we often think about improving our health and getting into better shape. As you prepare to enjoy the outdoors this summer, don’t forget a plan for keeping your eyes happy as well. Eyes are equally prone to summer damage as our skin is. However, we often neglect eye care when it comes to the preparation of our summer care protective measures.

Here are five ways to keep your eyes safe and healthy this summer:

1. It’s Time To Own Effective Protective Eyewear

Sunglasses are must-haves for our eyes in summer. Our eyes need protection against the contact of harmful Ultraviolet rays of the sun because UV rays can severely damage our eyesight. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to carry sunglasses every time heading out in daylight.

While choosing a pair of sunglasses take a note of its quality. If the sunglasses are not of good quality then wearing them would not help the eyes. Therefore, while choosing sunglasses make sure they are capable of protecting eyes from both UVA and UVB rays.

2. Prevent “Swimmer’s Eye” In the Pool

Pools can be tough on the eyes. Chemicals used to keep the water clean, such as chlorine, can affect the natural tear film that keeps our eyes moist and healthy. The result? Red, gritty-feeling eyes and blurry vision. Keep eyes feeling and looking good by wearing swim goggles in the pool, and splash your closed eyes with fresh water immediately after getting out of the pool.

3. Keep Dry Eye At Bay

We often experience dry eyes and irritation in summers. It mostly occurs in people who spend a lot of time working outdoors in the sun. Excessive strain on the eyes may also cause pain. To get rid of this problem it is suggested to use eye drops on prescription. It will lubricate the eyes and eliminate the pain and dryness.

4. Take Note of Hygiene

Summer is the season of sweating which exposes us to all kinds of germs and bacteria, all day long. In such scenario, if we often rub our eyes with bare hands, the germs get in contact with the eyes. Thus, it leads to infections and allergies of the eyes. Therefore, for healthy eyes, take proper care of hygiene and wash hands more often especially before touching your eyes.

5. Drink Plenty of Water

Dehydration is a great trouble we often face in summers. It does not only lead to a lack of water content in our bodies but, it also leads to dry and irritable eyes. Dehydration causes incapability of the tear glands to produce enough tears to keep our eyes moist. Dry eyes can lead to further eye problems. Therefore, it is a must to drink plenty of water in summers.

These 5 tips will help your eyes over the summer months. By taking a proactive approach to eye care during the hot summer months, you can minimize the amount of time you need professional eye care.

This post originally appeared on the American Academy of Ophthalmology