Spending time outdoors helps you stay active and keeps your body healthy. Although sun exposure offers health benefits such as vitamin D absorption in moderation, it can also be damaging in sufficient quantities, especially to your eyes. From wearing sunglasses to using eye drops, the guide below details how you can stay safe. 

Ways to Protect Your Eyes Outdoors

1. Purchase Quality Sunglasses

Sunglasses are your best friends for outdoor protection. Whether it’s on a beautiful, cloudless summer day or bright winter afternoon, harmful UV rays are constantly present. Purchase sunglasses with 400 UV protection to eliminate most damaging rays and invest in mirrored or coated lenses for added protection. To ensure you get the best product with design features tailored to your needs and lenses that match any necessary prescription, purchase sunglasses from an optician’s office.

2. Wear a Wide-Brimmed Hat

To further protect your eyes, invest in a hat or visor that will offer enough coverage to block rays. This is especially helpful on days when you’re traveling toward the rising or setting sun and face direct rays. The added shade will help your eyes relax, so you’ll avoid strain and related headaches alongside retinal damage.

3. Keep Eyes Hydrated

Dry eyes from whipping winds and cold temperatures pose ocular risks. Eyes that lack moisture will be uncomfortable and less effective at protecting your vision from debris. Keep a bottle of optical approved drops handy. You should also blink regularly, both to keep eyes moist and reduce fatigue. If you suffer from dry eye disease, make sure to speak with your doctor about prescription artificial tears to keep your eyes moist.

Looking to purchase quality sunglasses to help you enjoy the outdoors? Mowen Opticians has offered a wide selection of products since 1958. Serving Waynesboro, VA, you’ll find premium eyewear for every price range. When you visit them, you can count on an optician working with you to find something that fits comfortably, enhances your vision, and suits your style. Call (540) 943-3113 to speak with a representative and visit their website to explore their practice further.