Summertime Eye Health FAQ | Healthy Vision Month

Maintaining good vision is an important part of overall well-being. Vision loss or eye problems can have a significant impact on your quality of life.

July is Healthy Vision Month. It is a reminder to make eye health a priority. One way we can promote healthy eyes is to learn more about eye health. Below are some eye health questions and answers related to the summer season to help you understand more about how to protect your vision. 
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Does air travel affect eye diseases? 

According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, air pressure in a plane’s cabin is regulated and should not worsen most types of eye conditions, but there are some exceptions.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, certain types of surgery to repair a detached retina may involve injecting a gas bubble to keep the retina in place while it heals. Air travel may affect the gas bubble, so it is best to talk with your eye doctor before traveling. 
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Do dry eyes tend to get worse in the summer?

According to the National Eye Institute, in the United States, dry eyes affects millions of people. Dry eyes can occur at any time of the year, but certain factors during the summer may make the condition worse. For example, if you spend a lot of time outside in hot, dry weather, it may increase dry eyes.

Also, if you head inside and have the air conditioning or a fan blowing on your face, it can also dry out your eyes. Using moisturizing eye drops or artificial tears can help. 
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Can your eyes get sunburned? 

Just as the UV rays can burn your skin, they can also burn your eyes. Photokeratitis is a condition that affects the corneas and occurs due to exposure to UV light. It can temporarily damage the cornea in the eyes. Symptoms may include:

• Pain or redness in the eyes
• Blurry vision
• Excess tearing
• Gritty sensation in the eyes
• Sensitivity to light

Symptoms usually only last from a few hours to a few days. Wearing sunglasses anytime you are outdoors during the daytime can help prevent photokeratitis.
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Do eye injuries occur more frequently in the summer? 

Eye injuries can and do occur any time of the year, but it seems they do tend to occur more frequently during the warmer months and peak in July. According to research in the American Journal of Ophthalmology, emergency room visits for eye trauma have a seasonal pattern. More injuries occur in late spring and summer months than at other times of the year.

The exact reason for an increase in eye injuries is not fully known, but it is likely a combination of spending more time outdoors and school breaks. One thing that is clear, wearing the right eye protection for the activity you are doing can dramatically reduce your risk of eye injury. 
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Can you safely swim with contacts?

You might be tempted to go for a dip with your contacts in, but don’t do it. Swimming with contact lenses is never a good idea. Water carries organisms that can transmit bacteria. The bacteria can become trapped under the contact lenses and lead to an eye infection. Consider wearing prescription swim goggles as an option.

If you have any additional eye health questions, we are happy to help. Also, if you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.