In summer we have taken advantage of spending days at the beach or at the swimming pool, evenings outdoors, time on the terraces of bars… However, it also poses risks for the eyes, since the increase in temperature and summer habits can take their toll on visual health.
In fact, eye problems increase by up to 25% in summer, especially in the elderly and children.
What are the risks of summer for the eyes?
Summer brings with it a number of factors that increase the likelihood of eye disease:
- The sun. During the summer it is closer to the earth and ultraviolet radiation increases. This can affect the cornea with superficial keratitis, accelerate the appearance of cataracts and even cause retinal burns.
- In the mountains it is the low humidity and heat that contribute to increase the evaporation of eye tears, causing the eye to dry out. The same happens with the use of air conditioning. Dry eyes cause itching, blurred vision, burning, increased sensitivity to light and a “gritty” sensation inside the eye.
- The chlorine used in swimming pools to keep them clean irritates the ocular conjunctiva, which can cause keratitis (in some serious cases). It can also cause viral or bacterial conjunctivitis.
- At the beach it is salt and sand which, less frequently, can also cause some infection in the form of ocular irritation and erosions in the cornea or conjunctiva.
If the patient detects any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is important to see an ophthalmology specialist, who will establish the corresponding treatment and avoid complications.
How to prevent eye problems in summer?
There are a series of preventive measures to avoid the dangers of summer in the eyes:
- Wear sunglasses with protection filter, as long as possible and do not go in the sun in the central hours of the day.
- Use diving or swimming goggles at the pool and beach.
- Drink enough fluids to promote the production of tears and do not abuse air conditioning.
- Always have physiological saline solution or artificial tears available to wash the eyes if they are irritated or foreign substances enter.
- Be especially careful and be extremely hygienic if contact lenses are used. They should also not be used in swimming pools and on beaches, as the risk of serious infections and dry eyes is higher. Prescription swimming goggles can be used instead.
However, it is important to have regular eye examinations during the hot months. The specialists at Oftalmedic Salvà assure that the best remedy is the one that does not have to be given, so prevention is always better.