It’s official - summer is here and it’s time to guard your eyes from summertime hazards.
Here are some pointers on remaining safe in the sun:
Only wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays. If your sunglasses don’t guard against 100% of UV rays, they may be causing more harm than good. Keep in mind that sufficient UV protection doesn’t necessarily cost more – many more affordable options offer complete UV protection.
Wear sunglasses that provide complete coverage. In the realm of sunglasses, think big. Make sure to seek shades with wide lenses (which are currently in style) and wraparound frames.
Wear a large protective hat or visor. A hat with a wide brim will deflect the sun before it reaches your eyes.
Wear sunglasses on cloudy days. Even when the sun is behind the clouds, UV can still reach your eyes and do damage. Don’t be deceived by the clouds.
Invest in a proper sunglasses case. Your sunglasses are a precious commodity and should be treated accordingly. It’s worth it to store them in a safe and protected case to minimize mishaps.
Keep hydrated. In order to stay hydrated, drink a minimum of 2 liters of water a day. Doing so will keep your eyes hydrated as well.
Avoid midday sun. Stay indoors as much as possible especially between the hours of 11 am and 3 pm when the sun is at its strongest and the highest levels of UV are in the atmosphere.
Consider polarized lenses. Polarized lenses minimize the glare from reflective surfaces such as water. Perfect for water sports, beaching or driving, they provide more comfortable vision during outdoor activities.
When participating in outdoor sports or activities such as riding a bicycle, sitting by a campfire or hiking, make sure you safeguard your eyes as necessary to avoid injury.
Make sure you don’t apply sunblock too close to the eyes or eyelids as it can enter the eye and cause irritation.