Summer Eye Care FAQ

Summer is almost here. That may mean vacations, swimming at the lake, and spending time in the sunshine. Your summer plans may not include thinking about eye care. However, caring for your eyes and safeguarding your vision is important year-round.

Understanding how sunshine, higher temperatures, and warm weather activities can affect your vision is helpful for promoting good eye health this summer.
​
Continue reading for some common eye care questions and answers on summer eye health. 

​Do eye allergies decrease during the summer months? For some individuals, eye allergy symptoms may decrease during the summer months. However, this may not always be the case.

When you think of allergy season, you may think it's most common in spring when everything is in bloom. However, some common allergens may be in full force during the warmer months. For instance, mold may peak during the summer. Whether you have a decrease in eye allergy symptoms during the summer comes down to what you are allergic to. Using antihistamines, decreasing exposure to allergens, and washing your face after coming in from outside may help.

Can you develop an eye infection from swimming? Yes, you can get an eye infection when exposed to contaminated water. Bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, and backyard swimming pools, can contain pathogens that can lead to eye infections. This may include certain microorganisms and bacteria that enter your eye. Wearing swim goggles may reduce the risk of infection. It's also helpful to rinse your eyes with clean water after a swim.

Does UV light damage the eyes long term? Damage from ultraviolet light from the sun can have an adverse long-term effect on the eyes, including increasing the risk of eye diseases such as cataracts. The damage also tends to be accumulative, meaning the more exposure you have, the more likely you are to have problems. According to the National Eye Institute, excess sun exposure can increase your risk of certain eye diseases. Decrease UV exposure by wearing sunglasses, using a wide-brim hat, and seeking shade when possible.

Are dry eyes worse in the summer? Dry eyes can occur during any season. However, they may become worse during the warmer months. The hotter temperatures and use of air conditioning and fans can contribute to dry eyes, leading to worsening symptoms. Try to angle the air conditioning or fans away from your face to decrease dryness. Using artificial tears and medication for dry eye syndrome may also help.

Can your eyes become sunburned? Just as your skin can become sunburned, your eyes can, too. When the eyes become sunburned, it is known as photokeratitis. Symptoms can include burning, a gritty feeling in the eye, redness, and blurred vision. The risk of photokeratitis increases if you spend a lot of time on the water, snow, or sand because of the reflective surface. Sunburned eyes are largely preventable by wearing sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection outdoors.

Are eye injury rates higher in the summer? Research varies on whether eye injuries increase in the summer.  Some studies show an uptick in eye injury rates during the spring and summer. It makes sense that more eye injuries may occur as warmer weather approaches and people spend more time playing sports, swimming, and doing yard work. Fortunately, most eye injuries are preventable. Always wear appropriate protective eyewear when doing yard work outside or performing home improvement projects. Using the proper eyewear for sports is also essential to reduce the risk of an eye injury.

Summer is a great time of year to enjoy the warm weather, vacations, and hanging out with family and friends. However, don't let an eye infection or injury derail your summer plans. Take appropriate precautions to keep your eyes healthy and protected all summer. 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.