As the summer heat rolls in, it’s essential to keep your eyes safe from the blazing sun. Especially if you already have eye problems, taking care of your vision becomes even more crucial. Ignoring eye care during the summer can lead to discomfort and serious issues. According to the World Health Organization, millions of people worldwide are blind from cataracts, and some of these cases might be due to too much sun exposure.
In a chat with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Shefali Mazumdar, an eye expert from Agra’s Sarojini Naidu Medical College, shared some insights into how summer heat affects our eyes and gave us some handy tips for keeping our vision in check.
Taking care of your eyes during the summer is crucial. If you experience any discomfort or vision problems, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from an eye-care center. By following these tips, you can enjoy the summer sun without putting your vision at risk.
A: Protecting our eyes during the summer is crucial because the intense sunlight and heat can lead to various eye problems, including dry eyes, sunburn of the cornea, and increased risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
A: Common summer eye issues include dry eyes, sunburn of the cornea (photokeratitis), allergic conjunctivitis, increased risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, and contact lens-related problems.
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A: Sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection help shield our eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. They also reduce glare and prevent sunburn of the cornea, ultimately protecting our vision.
A: If you experience dry eyes, wearing sunglasses with full coverage and using lubricating eye drops can help alleviate discomfort. It’s also essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
A: A nutritious diet, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and green vegetables, supports eye health and provides natural defense against summer-related eye problems. Foods like walnuts and salmon are beneficial for maintaining good vision.
A: Contact lens wearers should be mindful of the heat and humidity, which can affect the comfort and fit of their lenses. It’s essential to follow proper hygiene practices and consider wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes. If any discomfort arises, it’s best to consult an eye-care professional.
A: To reduce eye strain, take frequent breaks from screens, adjust screen brightness, and consider using blue light filters. Limiting screen time and engaging in outdoor activities can also help give your eyes a break.
A: Prolonged exposure to UV rays without protection can lead to various eye problems, including sunburn of the cornea, increased risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, and even permanent vision loss over time.
A: When selecting sunglasses, look for ones that provide complete UVA and UVB protection and cover the entire eye area. It’s also essential to ensure a comfortable fit and consider polarized lenses to reduce glare.
A: If you experience persistent eye discomfort, redness, sensitivity to light, or changes in vision during the summer, it’s crucial to seek professional eye care. These symptoms could indicate underlying eye issues that require attention.
A: Parents should ensure their children wear sunglasses with UV protection and hats with brims to shield their eyes from the sun. Additionally, encourage children to take breaks from outdoor activities and stay hydrated to prevent eye strain and dehydration.
A: Individuals with pre-existing eye conditions should take extra precautions during the summer, such as wearing protective eyewear, using prescribed medications as directed, and scheduling regular check-ups with their eye-care provider to monitor their condition.
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A: Yes, excessive exposure to chlorinated pools or saltwater can irritate the eyes and cause discomfort. It’s essential to rinse the eyes with clean water after swimming and consider wearing swim goggles to protect against irritation and infections.
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