Summer is just around the corner. We tend to spend more time outdoors as the weather gets warmer, which is why we want to stress the importance of protecting your eyes for the upcoming season. Our team at Eye2Eye is sharing seven helpful tips to protect your eyes this summer. Keep reading to learn more.

Understand your risks for UV exposure

Keep in mind that during the summer, the hours of 10 am to 4 pm are the most harmful in terms of UV ray exposure. UV ray exposure becomes harmful in as little as five minutes, especially when your eyes are not protected. Here are a few tips to keep in mind for the whole family: 

1. Wear proper eye protection: Now is the time to do so if you haven’t invested in a quality pair of sunglasses. UV rays are more robust in the summer than at any other time of year. You will want to purchase sunglasses that offer 100% UV ray protection. These are often labeled UV400. 

2. Wear a hat outdoors: An easy way to protect your eyes from the glare outside is to wear a sunhat or baseball cap. Not only will this protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, but it will keep the sun off of your skin, too. 

3. Don’t skip out on cloudy days: You may be tempted to skip wearing sunglasses or a hat on cloudy days, because “the sun isn’t out.” But keep in mind UV is not blocked out by clouds, that’s why you can still get a sunburn on a cloudy day.

4. Trust the experts for sun protection: If you need to purchase new eyewear for the summer, always trust the experts at a reputable eyeglass retailer. 

5. Think about eye lens style: When selecting sunglasses, you have the option to choose eyewear that offers more protection from the sun than regular sunglasses. There are styles that include wraparound lenses to protect your peripheral vision from sun exposure.

6. Wear goggles while you swim: If you plan to spend time in the pool this summer, be sure to wear eye goggles in the water. Even chlorinated communal swimming pools can harbor harmful bacteria, which can enter the eye and cause an infection.

7. Don’t forget safety glasses: Yard work can be messy and dangerous, especially when mowing a lawn or trimming weeds. Debris can get lodged in your eye and cause a painful abrasion. Be sure to wear protective eyewear outdoors or even your sunglasses when working in your yard.

Visit Eye2Eye

Have you scheduled your annual comprehensive eye exam? Eye2Eye is here to help. Eye2Eye is Alexandria’s go-to for personalized eyecare and eyewear with an emphasis on specialized services such as myopia, custom contact lenses, and dry eyes. Our experienced staff provides honest and comprehensive eye care services to our community using the latest technology and products. We are committed to caring for Everything Eyes ® and look forward to having you visit our clinics. Schedule your appointment request and our patient coordinator will contact you to schedule your visit Eye2Eye through our easy contact form.