Shield Your Eyes: Summer Safety Tips

Posted in Eye Blog, Mount Vernon, Pediatrics, Sedro-Woolley, Stanwood, Whidbey

by Roy Gordon, OD

Summer in the Pacific Northwest is an exciting time. The calendar is filled quickly with things like barbecues, travel plans and recreational activities. Before seizing every opportunity to enjoy the weather, take a moment to consider these tips to keep your summer eyes healthy and safe all season long.
 
Wear sunglasses to block UV exposure. Look for sunglasses that block around 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Try wraparound frames to block out light from the sides.


Wear a hat with a wide brim. This will provide shade to your face and eyes, reducing exposure to UV rays.
 
Apply sunscreen with care. Sunscreen can irritate your eyes if it gets in them. Be careful while applying sunscreen to your face, and if you do get sunscreen in your eyes, rinse quickly with clean water.
 
Take care of your contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses, be sure to remove them before swimming or using a hot tub. Chlorine and other chemicals in the water can irritate your eyes and damage your contacts.
 
Drink plenty of water. Dehydration can lead to dry summer eyes, so be sure to have a water bottle handy throughout the day, especially when you’re spending time outdoors in the summer heat.
 
Schedule regular eye exams. It’s important to get regular eye exams to check for any eye problems and to monitor your eye health. Early detection and treatment of eye problems can help to prevent vision loss.
 

For the fourth of July celebration this week, please keep the following eye safety suggestions in mind.

Maintain a safe distance: Always view fireworks displays from at least 500 feet away. This distance puts a safe buffer zone between you and any potential debris or sparks.

Wear protective eyewear: Consider wearing safety glasses specifically designed to withstand impact and provide protection from flying objects.

Supervise children closely: Sparklers, a common firework for kids, can reach temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Closely watch children around fireworks and ensure they never hold sparklers near their face or run with them.

Have a plan in case of emergency: Keep a bucket of water nearby to douse any malfunctioning fireworks or small fires. In case of an eye injury, seek medical attention immediately and avoid rubbing or rinsing the eyes.