At Peña Eye Institute, Dr. Raul Peña offers a comprehensive range of eye care services, including vision correction to address refractive errors and treatments for common eye diseases. However, our ultimate goal is to teach patients practices that will help them enjoy good eye health year-round.
Summer is a season that most people look forward. With summer comes vacations, lounging by the pool or beach, and enjoying time outdoors. The only downside of summer is the harsh UV rays that come along with the extra sunshine.
Most people use sunscreen and wear protective clothing to prevent skin damage during the summer, but what are you doing to protect your eyes? Here, we offer some helpful summer eye care tips that out McAllen, TX patients can use to ensure they enjoy their time in the sun without damaging their eyes.
Wear the Right Sunglasses
Sunglasses should be considered a summer essential. However, patients need to be sure they are choosing a pair of sunglasses that will offer protection against a full spectrum of UV rays.
When purchasing sunglasses, make sure they offer 100% protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Fortunately, many sunglasses offer this protection, so it isn’t necessary to buy an expensive pair of designer sunglasses.
Most importantly, individuals should be sure to wear their sunglasses whenever they are outdoors, even if it is a cloudy day.
Don’t Forget a Hat
Sunglasses provide great protection for the eyes, but they do leave gaps along the tops and sides of the eyes that can allow UV rays to reach sensitive eye tissues. To ensure complete protection from UV rays, it is important to wear a hat whenever outdoors. To make sure the hat provides adequate protection, choose one that has a brim that is at least three inches wide.
Wear Swimming Goggles
Many people spend a lot of time in the water during the summer months. Whether swimming in a pool, the ocean, or a freshwater lake or river, goggles offer the eyes much-needed protection.
Goggles allow individuals to open their eyes underwater without risking exposure to chemicals, harmful bacteria, or other contaminants. It is important to choose goggles that are close-fitting and create a seal around the eyes so that no water gets beneath the lenses.
Stay Hydrated
It is always important to stay hydrated, but drinking water is especially important during the summer months. The sun is naturally dehydrating, as are many summertime activities, such as swimming, hiking, and playing sports.
Water replenishes the body and keeps the eyes moist. Tears and moisture help the eyes see and function properly, and also help wash away particles and bacteria to keep the eyes clean and healthy.
If an you notice that your eyes feel drier in the summer months, increase your water intake and consider the use of artificial tears to restore moisture.
Don’t Skimp on Sleep
People have a tendency to stay up late during the summer, which can leave them with less sleep than is recommended. A lack of sleep leaves the eyes strained and tired, which can actually lead to decreased visual acuity. To avoid eye fatigue and keep the eyes, mind, and body alert, it is important to aim for at least eight hours of sleep each night.
Contact Us
It is important to take care of the eyes to encourage good eye health, but nothing can take the place of professional eye care. To learn more about the comprehensive range of eye care services offered by Dr. Raul Peña, contact us at your earliest convenience.
