As summer quickly approaches, it is important that you prepare for every aspect of sun exposure. Do you know how to ensure optimum eye safety this summer? Here, you will learn how to do just that.
Visit Your Optometrist
You should have a yearly eye exam to be sure that you do not have any underlying health conditions that could increase the likelihood of sun damage to your eyes. One common disease that eye doctors can detect during your yearly screening is diabetes. The sun can be increasingly dangerous for diabetics because it can increase blood sugars and increase health risks.
Check Your Medications
Some medications can increase the sensitivity of your eyes and your skin to sun exposure. If you are unsure of if the medications you take fall into this category, talk with your doctor immediately. He or she will be able to assist you in determining if your medications will cause you discomfort and dangers in the sun.
Protect Your Eyes
Most people have a pair of sunglasses in their cars for when they are driving, but are those sunglasses really protecting your eyes from the UV rays of the sun? The glasses you wear must provide your eyes with UV protection. If you dislike wearing sunglasses, talk with your optometrist about clear lens glasses with UV protection.
The sunglasses that you wear should cover more than the area directly in front of the eye. The lenses should cover the area completely around the eyes. You want to keep as much direct sunlight from hitting your eyes as possible.
Wear a hat with a large brim. The sunglasses could offer a lot of protection, but wearing a large hat brim can offer you a whole new level of protection.
Limit Sun Exposure
The sun can be healthy in small doses – it increases your vitamin D levels naturally and can be mood lifting. Unfortunately, the sun can do more damage than good if you overexpose yourself to it. Try to stay out of the direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day. Generally, the hours between 10 AM and 4 PM are when the sun is at its peak, so try to stay in the shade during these hours.
Talk with your optometrist, such as Linden Optometry PC, if you experience discomfort while in the sun. He or she can help you make some adaptations to your sun protection plan to ensure you do not damage your eyes this summer.
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