5 Warmer Weather Eyecare Tips to Follow
Now that the weather is warming up, many people are looking forward to taking advantage of everything the season has to offer. From a lazy lounge in the sun to a walk with your toes in the sand on a faraway beach, this time of year is one of the most idyllic.
While you’re dreaming up all the ways you will fill your warmer days, don’t overlook the importance of your eye health. When you take care of your eyes properly, they allow you to take in all the beautiful sights with clear, comfortable vision.
Keep reading for five eye care tips to follow in the warmer weather!
1. Wear Sunglasses When You’re Outside
There’s nothing like the feeling of the warm sun on your face, especially when you’ve grown tired of the cooler months. You probably imagine bright, sunny weather when you think of your perfect day.
Before you soak up some rays, though, it’s essential to consider the health of your eyes. You wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays, but equally important is the protection of your eyes.
The harsh ultraviolet light emitted by the sun can be harmful to your ocular health. In fact, exposure to UV rays has been associated with cataracts, macular degeneration, and even eye cancer.
To enjoy the sunshine to the fullest without encountering these risks, be sure to wear sunglasses any time you’re outside. That includes cloudy days when UV rays are still present.
When shopping around for a pair, choose one that blocks 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation for maximum protection.
2. Remove Your Contacts Before Swimming
Whether it’s a dip in the pool, a float in the ocean, or a soak in the hot tub, warm weather brings all kinds of watery fun and relaxation. However, it’s essential to avoid swimming with your contact lenses.
While water may not seem particularly harmful, it has the potential to affect the integrity of your contacts and damage your eyes. Even washing your face in your bathroom sink while wearing contacts can pose a risk.
Because it contains many microbes, contact with water can cause irritation, abrasions, and infection. It would be impossible to completely avoid the possibility of getting your eyes wet when swimming.
Instead, remove your contacts before you enter the water so that you can have a splashing good time all spring and summer long.
3. Don’t Sit Near Air Conditioners
When the temperatures are high, the next best thing to a refreshing swim is a spot right near an air conditioner. But before choosing where to sit, you’ll want to remember that while cooler air might feel amazing at first, it’s not ideal for your eyes.
You may have noticed that a cool climate can make your eyes feel dry or itchy. This is because air conditioners decrease the amount of moisture in the room, which dries your eyes out.
Especially when in the direct stream of the air, the tears in your eyes begin to evaporate at a faster rate than normal. For moist and comfortable eyes, sit away from the direct flow of air.
In the car, angle the vents so that they are not blowing directly into your face. When you are in a cooler room and experience dryness, you can use eye drops to add much-needed moisture back into your eyes.
4. Always Bring Spare Visual Aids on Vacation
From a trip to the beach to a stay at a luxury hotel with a pool, the list of possible destinations for a warm-weather vacation is endless. You probably pack a few different outfit options, but how about spare visual aids?
Space in your bag or suitcase is precious, but a second pair of contacts or glasses is essential when traveling. The last thing you want is to have to see a sunset over the ocean with blurry vision due to lost or damaged eyewear.
It can put a real damper on your trip and prevent you from having the rejuvenating vacation you deserve. You should always bring a spare pair of glasses or contacts any time you leave the house, whether for work, a day trip, or a week-long getaway.
In the event they are needed, you will be so relieved you brought them.
5. Stay Hydrated
In the hustle and bustle of the warmer season, it is easy to lose track of how much water you’ve been drinking. When surrounded by warm air, it is more essential than ever to maintain proper hydration.
It’s a fact that your body needs increased fluid intake when the weather is hot. You lose more water during this time as you sweat more.
This is especially true for those with active lifestyles. Hydration is not only crucial for your overall health, but it is absolutely essential for the proper functioning of your eyes.
When you are dehydrated, you may notice your eyes become dry. In addition, you may also experience other symptoms like a headache and dizziness.
Keep a bottle of water with you wherever you go and aim to drink eight to ten eight-ounce glasses a day. That way, your eyes and whole body will continue to operate as normal and won’t detract from your good time.
Do you want to make sure your eyes are ready to enjoy all the warmer weather brings? Schedule an appointment at Complete EyeCare West in Columbus, OH, today!
