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I started wearing sunglasses as a teen, prompted more by vanity and trends than eye protection. It wasn’t until my mother pointed out that I was squinting behind my sunglasses, that I realized I had to invest in a pair that actually fulfilled both purposes. In between lathering on sunscreen before summer camp and remembering to pack hats and rash guards for our days at the pool, I have to remind myself to protect our family’s eyes.
The Facts
- Ultraviolet rays from the sun or tanning beds can increase the risk of eye disease such as cataracts and cancer.
- Cumulative sun exposure is linked to damage to the lens of the eye, resulting in presbyopia and cataracts.
- Every body of water, including swimming pools, lakes, rivers, and the ocean, can be contaminated with bacteria or microorganisms
- Wearing contact lenses in the water can cause them to stick to the cornea of your eye since they absorb water
- It can take up to 30 minutes after swimming for lenses and the tear film to return to normal. Removing them earlier that that can cause damage to the cornea and increase the risk for infection.
- Summer sports can pose a risk to eyes including irritation and/or injury from dirt, grass, fingers, balls, and other debris/equipment
- Wearing glasses during sports can pose a significant risk of injury if broken on impact
- Fireworks have the potential to cause significant injury or permanent loss of vision
How to Protect Your Eyes From the Sun
Always wear sunglasses: Choosing a pair of sunglasses can be elusive. I can spend less than $1 on a pair of sunglasses from a street vendor or thousands on a pair of designer sunglasses at my local department store. But more important than cost or style is their ability to protect your vision. Choose sunglasses that are labeled 100 percent UV protection or UV 400 and remember that even if you wear contact lenses, prescription glasses, or have had LASIK, you’ll still need to protect your eyes.
Wear a brimmed hat or visor to shield eyes from the sun
Never look directly at the sun
How to Protect Your Eyes in the Water
Protect your eyes with goggles. As a glasses and contact lens-wearer, swimming has always presented a challenge. If I wear my glasses then I run the risk of injury should they break. Without them I cannot see clearly. Wearing my contact lenses presents its own unique challenges including contamination and/or irritation. Opt for goggles that are designed for specific activities such as water sports, snow skiing, and team sports (soccer, basketball, etc.).
How to Protect Your Eyes While Staying Active
Wear Eye Protection When Playing Sports: Living in California means that we stay active throughout the year. Unfortunately the sports and activities we enjoy don’t come without risk. Goggles can help protect eyes from irritation and injury from foreign objects such as balls, dirt, grass, and anything else that could come in contact with the eyes. Prescription goggles are also available for those who wear glasses.
Eye Protection For Those Who Have Had LASIK
A few months ago, I finally went in for a LASIK consultation and was delighted to find out that I am a candidate for the procedure. Because I don’t have a lot of time for, well, downtime, I’ve been putting off pursuing this procedure. It’s during times like the present where I find myself camping along the Kern River, planning a snorkeling adventure, or biking along the breezy boardwalk that I really wish I didn’t have to bother with glasses or contact lenses. Summer is one of our most active times of the year, and now may be the time to consider vision correction if you are a candidate.
The procedure itself, along with the recovery is manageable. However, if you have had LASIK, you want to protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses that provide protection from UV rays and being mindful of water activities and sports 1-2 weeks after the procedure.
If you are considering LASIK for vision correction, the American Refractive Surgery Council is a fantastic resource for answering your questions and providing further detail on the procedure.
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