The summer season is fast approaching and that means vacation time, play time, pool time, barbecues and everything sunshine. We like spending time outside and enjoying the magnificent summer weather, but what are you doing to safeguard you and your beloved’s eyes from the harmful effects of the sun?

It is said that “the eyes are the mirrors to the soul”. Taking care of the eyes should therefore become a mandatory part of your daily routine. For example, people with prescription glasses would prefer to have an all in one package where their sunglasses act as prescription glasses as well, ensuring that their eyes are protected and at the same time, have clear vision.

Putting on protective glasses, a hat, regularly washing your hands, taking breaks from computer, smartphone or TV screens are some of the things you can do to protect your eyes.

Here are some tips to help you safeguard your eye health during the warm period.

1. Put on sunglasses

Sunglasses not only make you look good, or prevent people from noticing that you’re staring at them, but they also have health benefits; – they shield your eyes from the harmful UV rays. A good pair of sunglasses offers 99-100% protection from UVB and UVA rays. In your search for the ideal sunglasses, don’t just scan through photos of celebrities instead, look for the following:

A sticker or label that shows 100% or UV400 protection
Sunglasses that completely cover your eyes (the bigger the better).
Durable lenses (shutter proof) that can withstand tough handling
Lastly, identify a reputable shop or retailer that sells genuine products. If you are buying them online you may need to identify shops with best reviews particularly when it comes to glasses delivery service. Glasses are essential items and a good retailer should be able to deliver them quickly.

2. Make use of water glasses/goggles

Most people experience some pain and discomfort in their eyes when getting into the pool for the first time. The chlorine in the water which is meant to protect you from harmful microorganisms can cause some mild pain and irritation in your eyes. The best way to avoid this is by using water glasses every time you take a deep in the pool. This should also be observed when swimming in a lake, ocean or other natural water bodies since they may also have other harmful contaminants that may injure or damage your eyes.

3. Put on a hat

Even with the best sunglasses, you may not be able to fully protect your eyes and therefore you may have to wear a hat. This is even more important if you live in an area that experiences exceedingly sunny weather. Minus a hat, you are at risk of developing basal cell carcinoma which normally affects the eyelids. This condition frequently develops on the lower eyelid and is known to spread to other parts of the eye.

4. Practice hand hygiene and restrain from rubbing your eyes

Research has shown that the most effective and practical way of preventing the spread of any communicable disease, is by washing your hands frequently. This practice is also essential in preventing eye diseases such as conjunctivitis also called pinkeye is usually spread when you touch something that an infected person has touched after rubbing his or her eyes.

Additionally, eye surgeries such as glaucoma shunt surgeries, LASIK or cataract surgeries, makes one susceptible to eye-infection. It is therefore advisable that you wash your hands before and after you apply eye treatment as well as when you are putting on your contact lenses. Also avoid touching and rubbing your eyes and if you have conjunctivitis ensure that you wash your hands after using ointments and eye drops to avoid infecting others.

5. Take frequent breaks from the screen

Summer period in kids means fun and free time. It is time to play video games and watch movies. This activity makes them spend most of their time staring at screens be it a smartphone, a tablet or television.

Protect your child’s eyes by minimizing their screen time. This can be achieved by observing the 20-20-20 rule which states that, after 20 minutes spent on the screen, stare away from the screen at something that’s 20ft away for 20 seconds.

So in conclusion, taking care of your eyes should be among the first things to consider before you even think about where to spend your summer holidays. Therefore, putting on protective glasses, a hat, regularly washing your hands, taking breaks from computer, smartphone or TV screens are some of the things you can do to protect your eyes.