Summer means vacations, beach days, swimming, and outdoor adventures. While most people remember to protect their skin with sunscreen, eye protection is often overlooked. Yet the sun, sand, wind, chlorine, and salt water can irritate the eyes and affect both comfort and eye health.
Here are a few simple tips to help protect your vision all summer long.
The Sun: A Risk Often Underestimated
Just like your skin, your eyes are sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Prolonged exposure to the sun can contribute to premature aging of the eyes and increase the risk of certain eye conditions over time.
UV exposure may contribute to:
- dry eyes;
- increased light sensitivity;
- irritation and discomfort;
- long-term eye health issues.
Even on cloudy days, UV rays are still present. Water, sand, and bright surfaces can also reflect sunlight, increasing UV exposure to the eyes.
Sunglasses Are Essential — Not Just an Accessory
A quality pair of sunglasses is one of the best ways to protect your eyes from UV rays.
Choose sunglasses that:
- provide 100% UV protection;
- offer good coverage around the eyes;
- are suited to your summer activities.
Polarized lenses can also improve visual comfort by reducing glare from water, roads, and other reflective surfaces, especially during driving, boating, or water sports.
And don’t forget children — their eyes need sun protection too, sometimes even more than adults.
Be Careful with Sand and Wind
Sand, dust, and wind can quickly irritate the eyes.
A few good habits:
- avoid rubbing your eyes if sand gets in them;
- rinse your eyes with clean water or artificial tears;
- wear wraparound sunglasses on windy days.
Rubbing the eyes when sand is present can cause tiny scratches on the surface of the eye, which can be painful and uncomfortable.
Swimming, the Ocean, and Contact Lenses: Use Caution
Pool chlorine and salt water can dry out and irritate the eyes. Water may also contain bacteria and microorganisms that increase the risk of eye infections, especially for contact lens wearers.
Important recommendations:
- avoid wearing contact lenses in pools or the ocean;
- if necessary, wear watertight swim goggles;
- remove and clean your lenses as soon as possible after swimming;
- consider daily disposable contact lenses while traveling.
If your eyes become red, painful, or sensitive to light after swimming, consult an eye care professional promptly.
Hydration and Air Conditioning Matter Too
Long days in the sun, air conditioning, car ventilation, and airplane travel can all contribute to dry eyes.
To keep your eyes comfortable:
- stay well hydrated;
- use lubricating eye drops if needed;
- take breaks from screens, even during vacation.
Before You Travel…
Before leaving for your trip:
- bring a backup pair of glasses;
- pack your contact lens supplies;
- keep your sunglasses in a protective case;
- carry moisturizing eye drops with you.
A little preparation can help avoid unnecessary discomfort away from home.
Enjoy Summer While Protecting Your Vision
Summer is meant to be enjoyed. With a few simple habits, you can help protect your eyes from the sun, sand, and water while making the most of every moment outdoors.
Your eyes are part of all your favourite summer memories — they deserve protection too.
