The temperatures heat up during summers and it’s the best time for a quick reminder on how to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays from the sun. UV rays are very harmful and linked to cataracts, pinguecular, ptergyia, photokeratitis, and extensive macular degeneration. Definitely, there’s no need to sacrifice the fun you can have in the sun by any means, but by taking few simple precautions you can keep your eyes nice and healthy. Let’s have a close look at few useful summer eye care tips.
Avoid the midday sun
Usually sun is at its most dangerous levels around 12-3pm, so you should avoid spending too much time outside during this period. However, if you’re out during this time, you should wear lots of sunscreen with high SPF value. It’s also important to use UV-protected sunglasses and a hat.
Proper Nutrition
Nutrition can make a big difference. You must include foods that are rich in vital minerals and vitamins, as they can make your eyes appear healthier and brighter.
Try to engage in “anti-inflammatory diet”. Avoid all types of red meat. Instead, eat foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as halibut, salmon, and mackerel. Also avoid all types of saturated fats. Instead, you must use monosaturated fats such as olive oil. Also include foods that prevent inflammation and are loaded with antioxidants as they help prevent eye disease such as macular degeneration and cataracts.
Wear UV protection sunglasses
One of the best summer eye care tips is to wear UV protected sunglasses. These sunglasses offer you 100 percent UV protection and protect your eyes when you’re out there in the hot sun. You must also keep a spare sunglasses, as you won’t get advance notice when your sunglasses decide to break or get lost.
Cucumber slices
You can get rid of your dark under eye bags by placing slices of cucumber under your eyes for 30-60 minutes.
Cotton Pads
If you spend hours before a computer screen, or TV, you must place cotton pads dipped in cold water on your closed eyes for about 15 minutes. Also prevent stressing your eyes by sitting comfortably at your computer or television screen. Make sure the screens are position slightly below the line of sight and are not too far or too close from you.
Avoid Smoking
You should avoid smoking as it increases chances of eye diseases and vision problems. It also damages blood vessels in your eyes resulting in constriction and development of atherosclerotic plaques. This can easily deprive your eye tissues of sufficient oxygen.
Drink Plenty Of Water
You should drink plenty of water on hot summer days. This is one of the best summer eye care tips that is good not only to prevent dehydration, but also to keep your eyes clean, and fresh.
Get An Eye Exam
According to a 2013 report by the Center for Disease Control, about 57 million Americans are at serious risk for eye related vision conditions and disorders. Yet, statistics show that less than 39 percent of the population has taken a comprehensive eye exam. This is important as eye disorders such as macular degeneration and glaucoma may not often have warning signs. Your eyes are helpful indicators of various underlying medical issues that need to be detected early. Therefore, go in for detailed eye exams to detect various eye disorders early.
So get out there and enjoy this summer-but please take the added precautions to keep your eyes safe.
