How to protect your eyes from summer dangers?

For many, summer means more outdoor fun, which means exposure to UV rays that can be especially harmful to sensitive eye tissue.

One expert warned that exposure to these harmful rays increases the risk of a range of health complications that could, in some cases, lead to vision loss later in life.

Ophthalmologist Dr. Masih Ahmed, assistant professor of ophthalmology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, said there are some simple steps that can help reduce the risk.

sunglasses

According to Ahmed, strong sunlight can lead to what is known as an eye polyp (or eye nail, or a fleshy appendage in the eye). Intraocular growths and UV rays have been linked to an increased risk of premature cataracts, worsening macular degeneration and even eyelid cancer.

Wearing sunglasses can help protect against this damage, as experts recommend when choosing sunglasses, making sure that the lenses block ultraviolet rays by 100%, and it is best that they wrap around the face to avoid light passing from the sides.

Polarized lenses can also help, as they help reduce glare, and are especially useful when out of the water.

Sun cream

The American Cancer Society currently recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, reapplying at least every two hours. But with sweating caused by intense heat, sunscreen can easily run off and get into the eyes, which can cause eye irritation.

Ahmed says: “In hot temperatures where sweating is inevitable, look for sunscreen that does not drip when you sweat to avoid getting it into the eyes. If sunscreen gets into your eyes, rinse it with a sterile saline solution or fresh water.”

Swimming

Jumping into a pool, lake, or ocean is welcome on a hot day, but risks of bacterial, fungal, and other infections can lurk in the water.

According to Ahmed, the best defense for your eyes is swimming goggles. “There is a danger from various microorganisms, specifically those that are difficult to treat called Acanthamoeba, which is a parasite that can cause eye infections,” he said.

Given that bodies of water, in particular, are capable of harboring these pathogens, you should avoid opening your eyes when underwater, to help protect them.

Ahmed explained, “The eye is not good at fighting different types of infections because it does not have a blood supply. And if you have scratches on the cornea, which can be caused by dry eyes or even rubbing the eye, one of those microorganisms can get into those wounds.” "It leads to infection."

Dr. Ahmed recommends not wearing contact lenses while swimming, explaining: “Contact lenses absorb water and trap harmful microorganisms that cause infection. Contact lenses cause micro abrasions in the eye, which facilitates eye infections.”

If you must wear contact lenses while swimming, use contact lenses that you can dispose of shortly after getting out of the water.