Unlike other areas of the US, those of us in the Bay Area get lots of sun all year long, so protecting your eyes year round is important. It is especially important during the summer months when the sun is at its hottest. Summer activities can pose a number of potential hazards to your vision including more exposure to UV radiation, which could increase risks for developing certain conditions, including cataracts and cancerous growths. And with more activity outdoors and around your home, chances are you increase your risk for eye injuries. Here are some essential summer tips for eye protection and safety!

Essential Tips

• Choose sunglasses with full UV protection: UV radiation is much stronger in the summer months and just because the lenses are dark doesn’t mean that your eyes are safe from harmful rays.
  Choose lenses with UV400 or 100 percent UV protection glasses, which indicates that the lenses will block the entire spectrum of UVA and UVB rays.
• Consider the lens style: Wraparound lenses provide better summer eye protection because they cover your peripheral vision. Choose shatter-proof polycarbonate lenses if you intend to be in situations where you could be injured, such as taking a spike to the face during a game of beach volleyball with friends.
• Purchase sunglasses from a reputable store to make certain your eyes are protected properly.
• Wear swim goggles at all times: Goggles are required for both indoor and outdoor pools.Some microorganisms can survive in chlorinated pool water and cause an infection, and the risk of infection increases in lakes and other non-chlorinated water areas, such as hot tubs.Bacteria, including acanthamoeba, which causes a severe infection that is difficult to treat, may be present in these communal areas.
• Select the appropriate eye protection for your sport:This could include goggles, a face guard, or a helmet, depending on the sport.The American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) has created safety guidelines for
• Avoid indoor tanning: Tanning beds emit far more UV than the sun, increasing your risk of skin cancer and serious eye damage. If you do use a tanning bed, wear UV-blocking goggles rather than sunglasses.
• Hands should be washed frequently:Its important at any time of year to help prevent the spread of eye infections but it is especially important in the summer because people are more active outside, which can facilitate infections such as pink eye.  Be sure to wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes or putting in your contacts

Its important to remember these essential summer tips for eye protection apply to everyone including children. Its also important to remember to have your eyes checked annually!

For more helpful eye care and vision care tips, please visit our main blog page.

Source: Henry Ford Health

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