Protecting Your Eyes During Summer Activities

Summer brings opportunities to spend more time outdoors, whether in the garden, at the beach, or simply enjoying longer evenings. While we tend to remember sun cream for our skin, eye protection often gets overlooked. A few precautions help you enjoy the season while keeping your eyes safe.

Swimming presents particular considerations for eye health. Chlorinated pool water can irritate the eyes, leaving them red and uncomfortable. While chlorine helps keep pools hygienic, it disrupts the tear film that protects the eye surface. Wearing goggles prevents direct contact with treated water. If you do get pool water in your eyes, rinsing with clean water or using lubricating drops afterwards helps restore comfort.

Natural water carries different risks. Lakes, rivers, and the sea contain microorganisms that can cause eye infections. A rare but serious infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis is associated with water exposure, particularly for contact lens wearers. If you wear contacts, remove them before swimming or wear well-fitted goggles to keep your lenses dry.

Gardening is another summer activity with eye hazards many people don't consider. Flying debris from lawn mowers, strimmers, and hedge trimmers can cause serious eye injuries. Branches, thorns, and plant matter pose risks when pruning or working in borders. Wearing protective eyewear during these tasks is simple insurance against potentially devastating injuries.

Barbecues and fire pits bring their own considerations. Smoke irritates eyes and can cause significant discomfort, particularly for those prone to dry eye. Positioning yourself upwind helps, as does having lubricating drops to hand if your eyes become irritated.

Hay fever season peaks during summer months. For allergy sufferers, wraparound sunglasses provide a physical barrier against pollen, reducing eye symptoms as well as protecting from UV light. Keeping windows closed during high pollen counts and showering after spending time outdoors helps wash away allergens.

And of course, UV protection remains important throughout summer. Quality sunglasses blocking UVA and UVB rays protect against long-term damage that contributes to cataracts and macular problems.

At Atlantic Home Eyecare, we're happy to advise on protecting your eyes during summer activities. If you experience any problems, or it's time for a routine check, we provide home visits across Devon, Somerset, Cornwall, and beyond.