In summer, the risk of suffering eye injuries increases, as we increase the time of exposure to the sun’s rays, which in this period is when they fall more perpendicularly in our hemisphere, with the consequent increase in light radiation. To protect ourselves, it is necessary to follow a series of guidelines and advice for prevention.
Protect your eyes from the sun with sunglasses
A high percentage of ophthalmological emergencies are caused by accidents that occur during the practice of sports activities and DIY and gardening; consultations for eye injuries caused by trauma with squash balls, golf balls, rackets, or foreign bodies such as blades of grass, filings or toxic products are very frequent. To avoid all this, it is necessary to use appropriate protective goggles.
On the other hand, to prevent dryness and irritation, as well as the appearance of burns on the ocular surface (actinic keratoconjunctivitis), caused by wind and sun exposure, it is advisable to use sunglasses of proven quality, as well as artificial tears to keep the eye well lubricated.
It should be taken into account that recent research has linked excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation with the appearance of cataracts, conjunctival tumors (pterygium, pinguecula…) and retinal pathologies such as age-related macular degeneration or AMD, one of the most frequent causes of vision loss in our country.
Protecting the eyes from seawater and swimming pools
Sea water and swimming pool water are irritating to the eyes and can also be a vehicle for the transmission of eye infections. To avoid allergic processes or infections, it is necessary to use special glasses.
It is important to take even more precautions in the case of children, since it is common that when they feel any discomfort or sensation of a foreign body, they rub their eyes in an almost unconscious way. This common and problematic practice is the cause of many pathologies (sties, bacterial conjunctivitis…), and it is necessary to learn from an early age that it is better not to rub the eyes. In case of any foreign body sensation, the most hygienic and appropriate thing to do is to wash the eyes with physiological saline solution, so that it washes away everything that irritates. If this sensation persists, it is important to see a specialist.
Protect your eyes with a proper diet
It is scientifically proven that a diet rich in antioxidant vitamins (A, C, E) can prevent the appearance of ophthalmic pathologies. There are vitamin supplements containing non-enzymatic anti-oxidants or anti-oxidant vitamins, which we recommend adding to the regular diet.
For those who use contact lenses, it is advisable to use disposable lenses, as it avoids the manipulation of the lenses during cleaning and reduces the risk of contamination of the cases, which can cause infections, sometimes extremely serious. These lenses are also more respectful of the ocular surface, since their composition is mostly water. Finally, it is advisable to visit an ophthalmologist at least once a year. In this way we can prevent, detect and treat most eye diseases.