Jun 14

Keeping Your Eyes Healthy at the Beach

There is nothing like a day at the beach – the sun, sand, water and making memories with your family and friends. But not only can consistent sun exposure hurt your skin, it can affect your eyes. It is not only important to lather on sunscreen on a regular basis all day, but also to take these precautions to protect your eyes from the sun. Too much exposure over the years can affect your vision and boost your chances of developing macular generation.

Hands off: Be mindful throughout the day to keep your hands away from your eyes. Do not itch or rub them. Sand is everywhere! You know it will be in your hair, on your towel, swimsuit, and more. You do not want sand to get in your eyes. If that happens, you need to flush it out with a saline solution or clean water.

No lenses: It is best to head to the beach without your contact lenses in, especially if you are going to swim in the lake or the ocean. You could have dirt or germs get trapped in your eyes and on your contacts. This could lead to irritation or an accumulation of bacteria and viruses. We recommend wearing your prescription eyeglasses instead.

Wear those shades: It goes without saying that you should always wear your sunglasses. They need to be broad-spectrum to keep your peepers safe from the UV rays and blowing sand, dust, and dirt. Polarized lenses can also help reduce bright reflections off the surface of the water and get rid of glare.

Cover up: A sun hat or baseball cap will add another level of protection to not only your scalp and face but also your eyes. Your sunglasses have a top gap that can let UV rays in. A hat will help cut that exposure down.

Water protection: If you are swimming in the water, make sure to put on goggles. This will help make sure that water will not get into your eyes. Exposure to contaminants, bacteria, or salt in the water can cause eye irritation and beyond. Sports goggles can help protect your eyes when you are active on the beach and other sport activities.

Keep Up Your Annual Exams

Making sure your eyes are healthy is vital to your vision and long-term health. Make sure to visit our optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam. Our eye doctor will thoroughly examine your eyes for signs of health issues and determine your prescription. We can discuss with you how you can best protect your eyes in the sun, depending on your lifestyle. We can also help you determine which types of contact lenses will fit best. If you have an accident at the beach or are concerned about some irritation, we offer emergency care as well. Reach out with questions through our online contact form.