How to protect your eyes in summer: sea, swimming pools and sun
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Summer means beaches, swimming pools, outdoor sports and many hours in the sun. However, it is also one of the times of year when our eyes are most exposed to factors that can affect their health, such as ultraviolet radiation, chlorine, sea salt and air conditioning.
Protecting your vision during the summer months is therefore just as important as looking after your skin. At Clínica Castellote, specialists in ophthalmology in Castellón, we offer some tips for enjoying summer without putting your eyes at risk.
Why can summer affect eye health?
At this time of year, we spend longer in the sun and more time in swimming pools, on beaches or enjoying outdoor activities. Irritation, dry eyes, conjunctivitis and discomfort related to sunlight are therefore more common.
Wind, sand and air conditioning also encourage tears to evaporate, which can worsen symptoms in people with dry eye syndrome.
Protect your eyes from ultraviolet radiation
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause cumulative damage to the eyes. Although its effects are not always immediate, prolonged exposure increases the risk of conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration and pterygium.
Wear certified sunglasses
Not all sunglasses offer the same protection. It is therefore important to choose a pair that blocks 100 % of UVA and UVB rays and has certified filters.
Dark glasses without UV protection can even be harmful, as the pupil dilates and allows more radiation to enter.
Remember to protect children's eyes
Children's eyes are more sensitive to sunlight. Children should therefore also wear suitable sunglasses and, wherever possible, a cap or hat during the hours of strongest sunlight.
Precautions at the swimming pool
Chlorine helps to keep water clean, but it can also irritate the surface of the eye.
Wear swimming goggles
Swimming goggles reduce contact between chlorine and other chemicals and the eyes, lowering the risk of irritation.
Avoid opening your eyes underwater
Even if the water looks clean, it may contain microorganisms that can cause eye infections.
Eye care at the beach
Seawater is usually less irritating than pool water, but the combination of salt, wind and sand can also cause discomfort.
Sand can also act as a foreign body and cause small injuries to the cornea.
If you feel discomfort, avoid rubbing your eyes and rinse them with saline solution or artificial tears.
Can I swim with contact lenses?
The recommendation is not to wear contact lenses when swimming, either in a swimming pool or in the sea.
This is because contact lenses can trap microorganisms present in the water and increase the risk of eye infections, some of which, such as keratitis, can be serious.
If you need vision correction to swim, ask your ophthalmologist about alternatives such as prescription swimming goggles, always following the specialist's recommendations.
Keep your eyes hydrated
Heat, wind and air conditioning encourage tears to evaporate.
If your eyes feel dry, preservative-free artificial tears are therefore recommended, particularly if you spend many hours outdoors or wear contact lenses.
Conclusion
Enjoying summer does not have to come at the expense of looking after your eyes. With a few simple preventive measures, such as wearing certified sunglasses, avoiding swimming with contact lenses, protecting your eyes from chlorine and keeping them well hydrated, you can reduce the risk of injuries and infections.
Remember that prevention is the best way to maintain good eye health throughout the year. If you have any discomfort or would like an eye examination before or after summer, at Clínica Castellote, specialists in ophthalmology in Castellón, we will be happy to help you look after your vision.