Know How to Keep Your Eyes Safe This Summer

Now that the summertime has arrived it’s time to make sure you keep your eyes protected from the sun and other warm weather dangers.

Here are some tips to stay safe in the sun:

1. 
   Buy glasses with proper UV protection. If your glasses don’t guard against 100% of UV rays, they may be resulting in more damage than good.  Keep in mind that proper UV blockage doesn’t mean a higher price – many reasonably priced products provide complete UV protection.
2. 
   Wear larger shades. In the realm of sunglasses, the bigger the better. Make sure to choose shades with wraparound frames and wide lenses.
3. 
   Wear a wide protective hat. While sunglasses are a great first defense, a large hat will provide the added defense you need to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.
4. 
   Sport sunglasses when it doesn’t seem sunny. Even when the sun is hiding behind the clouds, UV can still reach your eyes and cause damage. Even when the sun is hiding, it’s important to stay protected.
5. 
   Keep an emergency pair of sunglasses. It’s always good to be prepared for the occasional mishap. Better to be safe than sorry.
6. 
   Drink plenty. It’s important to keep your eyes hydrated. Drink at least 2 liters of water a day to avoid dehydrated eyes and skin.
7. 
   Avoid the afternoon sun. Stay indoors when possible particularly between the hours of 11 am and 3 pm when the strength of the sun and ultraviolet radiation exposure are at a peak.
8. 
   Consider purchasing polarized lenses. Polarized lenses minimize the glare from reflective surfaces such as water. Perfect for a day at the beach or pool, they provide more comfort during outdoor activities.
9. 
   During outdoor activities such as riding a motorcycle, watching fireworks or hiking, make sure you wear proper eye protection to avoid injury.
10. 
    Make sure you don’t apply sunscreen too close to the eyes or eyelids as it can enter the eye and burn.