Warm weather and longer days entice us to go outside and have fun in the sun. However, outdoor activities increase the risk of developing ocular problems. Sun exposure, infection and foreign objects can cause damage to your eyes, so take precautions to wear sunglasses, safety goggles and sunscreen outdoors.
Overexposure to the Sun Can Cause UV Damage to Your Eyes
Sunshine can be healthy if you limit your exposure to ultraviolet rays. In the presence of sunlight, your skin makes vitamin D (also known as the sunshine vitamin) from cholesterol. The best source of vitamin D is sunlight, but about 40 percent of Americans are deficient.
How much sunlight you need depends on factors like the season, time of day, latitude, altitude, weather conditions and skin color. On average, about 10 to 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure provide sufficient vitamin D. After that amount of time, you should apply sunscreen for the duration of your outside time.
The challenge is that most people get too much or too little sunshine. Excessive exposure to UV radiation from the sun, tanning beds and sunlamps can heighten the likelihood of developing corneal damage, cataracts, macular degeneration and skin cancer near the eyes.
You can protect your eyes from UV damage. You can wear …
- Sunglasses that block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays and wrap around the face.
- UV protective clothing made of tightly woven fabric.
- A wide-brimmed hat.
- Sunscreen that filters out UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 30 or higher.
Swimming Can Cause Infection from Bacteria and Fungus
One of the best ways to beat the heat is by taking a dip in a pool, lake or ocean, but be aware that you can catch an infection from various bodies of water. One type of microorganism that is difficult to treat is a parasite called acanthamoeba, which can cause severe eye infections.
“The eye is not great at fighting off different types of infections because it doesn’t have available blood supply to it,” said Masih Ahmed, MD, an assistant professor of ophthalmology at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. “If you have scratches in the cornea, which can happen from dry eye or even rubbing your eye, one of those microorganisms can get into those cuts and lead to infection.”
You can keep your eyes safe in the water by remembering some simple guidelines. It is important to remove your contact lenses before swimming or entering water to prevent potential eye irritation and infections from tiny scratches. If you wear contacts, use daily disposables.
Try to keep your eyes closed while under water. If you need to open your eyes, use swim goggles to protect your eyes from any pathogens.
Sports or Activities Require Eye Protection
Eye injuries from sports or outdoor activities can be serious. Wearing proper eyewear can increase performance and lower your risk of eye injury. If you or a family member are participating in any sports or activities, purchase some impact-resistant frames that meet ASTM standards. Polycarbonate frames and lenses will protect the eyes from a flying object, collision or impact.
Even doing yardwork and house projects can be dangerous. Wearing safety glasses while mowing the grass or using power tools like hedge clippers or a chain saw can protect your eyes from stones, dirt and debris. You can also protect delicate eye tissues from chemicals and substances like gasoline, cleaning solutions, varnish, paint and insecticide. Eye protection and proper handwashing can prevent irritation, injury and vision loss.
Many Eye Injuries and Diseases Are Preventable
According to the Vision Council, 90 percent of work-related eye injuries are preventable when using proper eyewear. Sunglasses, swim goggles and safety glasses offer protection from the elements, infection and debris.
Another essential component for long-term vision health is a comprehensive eye exam. Yearly eye checks help ensure that you and your family have current information on your eye health and that you understand your risk for eye diseases. Risk for cataracts, glaucoma, presbyopia, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration increases with age, but eye conditions can affect anyone. You also have a higher risk for eye problems if you have a family history of eye disease.
A comprehensive eye exam with dilation offers a window into your overall health. At your appointment, your doctor will …
- Evaluate refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness or presbyopia.
- Assess any focusing problems or other issues like strabismus, amblyopia or binocular vision.
- Screen for eye diseases and other chronic problems like hypertension, high cholesterol or another medical condition.
Make an Appointment before the Year Ends
You can maximize your insurance benefits by making an appointment for an eye exam or scheduling a consultation for an eye procedure. If you have met your deductible, some procedures may be less expensive than you think.
If you are not under the care of a board-certified ophthalmologist, we can help. Our eye doctors have eye centers located across the country and are accepting new patients. Eye health is a precious gift that requires regular care, so call today to schedule appointments for your whole family.