The warm summer brings longer days and more outdoor activities, which can mean more exposure to elements that may irritate your eyes. At Boise Mountain Eyecare, we are committed to helping you enjoy the season with a clear, comfortable vision. Here’s a guide to recognizing and treating some of the most common summer eye issues as we approach Healthy Vision Month this May.
Swimmer's Eye: Causes and Prevention
Swimmer’s eye, or chlorine keratitis, is an irritation caused by exposure to chlorine in pools. Symptoms include redness, itching, and a gritty feeling in the eyes.
Some prevention tips include:
- Wear Swim Goggles: To avoid swimmer’s eye, use tight-fitting swim goggles when swimming in chlorinated pools.
- Rinse Your Eyes: After swimming, rinse your eyes with fresh water to remove any residual chlorine that might continue irritating your eyes.
Dry eye syndrome can worsen in summer due to increased exposure to air conditioning, fans, and wind, which can quickly evaporate your tears.
Treatment Tips for Swimmer’s Eye
Dry eye syndrome can worsen in summer due to increased exposure to air conditioning, fans, and wind, which can evaporate your tears.
- Stay Hydrated: It is crucial to keep your body and eyes hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help maintain sufficient eye moisture levels.
- Use Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter artificial tear drops can provide immediate relief by supplementing your natural tear production. For best results, choose preservative-free drops to avoid potential irritants.
- Wear Sunglasses: Sunglasses with full UV protection and wraparound features can protect your eyes from the wind and dust, which can contribute to tear evaporation and dryness.
- Humidify Your Environment: Using a humidifier in your home or office can add moisture to dry indoor air, helping to keep your eyes more comfortable.
- Take Frequent Screen Breaks: When using digital devices, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This helps minimize the drying effect of prolonged screen use.
- Adjust Air Flow: Direct air from fans, car heaters, and air conditioners away from your face to reduce the risk of drying out your eyes.
- Omega-3 Supplements: Increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids can help improve tear quality and reduce dry eye symptoms. Add fish oil supplements or more omega-3-rich foods, such as salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts, to your diet.
Managing Seasonal Allergies Affecting the Eyes
Symptoms of eye allergies include redness, itchiness, watering, and swelling. In summer, pollen, dust, and other airborne allergens often cause allergic reactions.
Here’s how you can effectively manage your allergies:
- Limit Exposure: Keep windows closed during high pollen days and use air conditioning in your car and home to filter out allergens.
- Use Allergy Eye Drops: Allergy-specific eye drops can relieve symptoms and are often available over the counter. For persistent cases, consult an eye care professional at Boise Mountain Eyecare for prescription options.
Protection from UV Exposure
Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to serious eye conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Protecting your eyes from these harmful rays is crucial, especially during the long days of summer when the sun's rays are strongest.
One of the most effective ways to protect your eyes is wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection. Ensure that the sunglasses you choose block 100% UV rays. This ensures that UVA and UVB rays are completely blocked, providing you with the maximum protection possible.
In addition to UV protection, consider the benefits of polarized lenses. These lenses are particularly effective at reducing glare from reflective surfaces such as water, sand, and pavement. This is especially useful for driving, fishing, or water sports, where reflected light can significantly increase eye strain and reduce visibility.
Polarized lenses help improve vision clarity and comfort by filtering out these harsh glares, making outdoor experiences more enjoyable and safer.
Visit Boise Mountain Eyecare for Comprehensive Summer Eye Care
Don't let common summer eye issues hinder your enjoyment of the season. Boise Mountain Eyecare is here to provide the best eye care solutions and advice. Schedule a visit to ensure your eyes are protected, and you are fully prepared to tackle any eye discomfort this summer.