Do:

Wear sunglasses.

Sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, but it also radiates ultraviolet (UV) rays that can cause conditions like cataracts and skin cancers around the eyes. Wearing sunglasses filters light and protects your eyes from harmful rays. Optometrists recommend lenses labeled “UV400,” which block 99 or 100% of UV-A and UV-B rays.

Choose polarized lenses.

Glare from summer sun intensifies when reflected off water, wet pavement, or chrome, but sunglasses with polarized lenses minimize their effects. A special film coating in the lenses reduces eye strain while you are fishing, driving, or enjoying water sports.

Wear goggles when swimming.

Goggles protect your eyes from irritants in the water, such as chlorine in pools, and ocean salt and sand. A well-fitted pair helps you see while swimming and snorkeling as well.

Don’t:

Rub your eyes.

If something is in your eye, rubbing it can scratch the cornea and cause permanent damage. Transferring germs from hands to eyes leads to infections like pink eye. 

Swim wearing contact lenses.

Wearing contacts while swimming can lead to problems like eye infections and ulcers on the cornea. Irritants can also get under your contact lenses, damaging them and your eyes.

When you want eye care that focuses on your individual needs in the summer and throughout the year, see Nelson O. Yoshioka, Jr., O.D., in Honolulu, HI or Cheryl C. Niitani, O.D., in Pearl City, HI.  They have served Oahu residents and visitors with personalized client service and state-of-the-art equipment since 1988.  Visit the website for more about their inventory and services. Call (808) 734-7050 or (808) 455-3333 today to schedule an eye care appointment.