While the outdoors can be a lot of fun, it can also be quite stressful for your eyes. Irritation, dryness, and tears are some of the telling signs your eyes have given in to the elements of the weather. If you don’t protect your eyes, it can take a toll on how much fun you’ll have in the forthcoming days. After all, when your eyes are suffering, it’ll be extra hard for you to enjoy, be safe, and generally do anything more given the discomfort you’re now feeling.
Don’t let your sensitive eyes stop you from enjoying the great outdoors. With a bit of protection and awareness, nothing should prevent you from having the best time outdoors.
Keep reading to learn some of the best ways to keep your sensitive eyes healthy while enjoying all the fun and possibilities the great outdoors offers.
Wear Polarised Sunglasses With Ultraviolet (UV) Protection
Polarised sunglasses are a must-have the entire year for those who live in countries with tropical climates, but even more so in the summer. Don’t just go for any regular sunglasses, but rather invest in those with ultraviolet protection. This can help block harmful UV rays and keep your eyes healthy.
Even when the days are cloudy, don’t leave your sunglasses at home. Bear in mind that the sun’s UV rays can still pass through clouds and haze. Keep your sunglasses in your bag to have them ready to pull out when needed.
Get Regular Eye Exams
Like all the other parts of your body, one of the best ways to protect your eyes outdoors is by taking a proactive approach. This entails going through regular eye exams, especially when you have an eye condition or are already dependent on your eyeglasses or contact lens.
Those regular eye checks are instrumental in keeping yourself updated on the best way to protect your eyes. Remember that eye conditions may vary across individuals. Yours may need special care depending on how sensitive your eyes are.
Bring A Hat
On top of your protective sunglasses, a wide-brim hat is another way to add more protection. The hat’s brim provides shade, like a shield from the sun’s direct rays. Apart from your eyes, a wide-brim hat can protect your neck and face from UV exposure.
For maximum benefits, choose a hat with a brim of at least three inches. If you enjoy spending time outdoors frequently, include one of good quality in your shopping list.
Use Goggles In The Pool
Goggles may not be the most aesthetically pleasing when swimming in a pool, but if you have sensitive eyes, you’ll need them. When the weather is quite hot, that first dip in the pool or the sea can feel awful in your eyes.
You should be cautious of not just the UV rays and the water temperature. Wearing goggles can also protect you against other contaminants, especially in other natural bodies of water.
In a swimming pool, chlorine is the main culprit. It can help kill the germs in the water, but it can irritate the eyes, especially sensitive ones.
Seek The Shade
Sure, the sun is nice, but this doesn’t mean you have to be directly under it the whole time you’re outdoors. At least once in a while, seek the shade. It can be a tree, cabana, beach, or outdoor umbrella.
By seeking shade, you won’t have to reapply your sunscreen that frequently. That’s for your skin. As for your eyes, you can give them a break from being too strained and overworked when outdoors.
Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes
Before touching your face and eyes, always ensure your hands are clean and well sanitised. Remember, your hands are exposed to touching all the dirt and bacteria the outdoors brings. You never know what it is that you’ve touched, and for sensitive eyes, even the slightest hint of any bacteria can be harmful.
Moreover, avoid rubbing your eyes. The more time you spend outdoors, the higher the chances your eyes can get itchy or irritated. It may be tempting to rub and scratch your eyes, but this isn’t the solution. It’s better to wash your hands and then your eyes instead. If this happens to you frequently, ask your ophthalmologist for any eye drops or cream they can recommend. After choosing one you feel fits your needs the most, have it in your bag every time you leave the house.
The Bottomline
The sun is great and all, but it can also be harmful when it directly hits the eyes. When going outdoors, it’s common practice to protect the skin, but don’t forget your eyes. Long-term damage to and burns on your eyes are two of the most drastic effects when they are consistently unprotected. Make it a habit to give your eyes a layer of protection, starting with the ophthalmologist-recommended tips above.