Summer is the season for fun, thanks to its longer days and warmer weather. As you head out on adventures these next few months, don’t forget your eye health. Follow these simple tips to protect your eyes from some common hazards so the whole family can enjoy a safer season.

Eye Health Guide for Safe Summer Fun

1. Wear Sunglasses

You may wear sunscreen lotion to protect yourself from ultraviolet rays, but don’t forget that UV can be harmful to more than just skin. Eyes can get sunburned, too, which may eventually cause long-term damage such as cataracts or cancer.

Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Keep them with you so you can always put them on while outdoors or while driving. Eyewear can also protect your eyes from flying projectiles such as sand at the beach or debris from yard work.

2. Wear Goggles at the Pool

If you’ve ever experienced burning or tired eyes after a day at the pool, then you’ve felt the effect of chlorine on your eye health. Studies have found that chlorine can harm your corneal epithelium, which is the protective layer over your cornea. Everyone who’s swimming and opening their eyes underwater should be wearing goggles as they do so.

3. Get a Break From Screens

Screens emit blue light, which can affect the eyes after extended periods. It can lead to fatigue, blurred vision, dry eyes, headaches, and more. There’s no need to cancel that movie marathon, though. You can safely use screens if you follow the 20/20/20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look away from the screen at a distance of 20 feet for 20 seconds. This helps with reducing strain.

Get a smart start to your summer by picking up a pair of sunglasses for everyone in the family. The licensed optician at Optics Eyewear offers fashionable prescription sunglasses that are designed to block out UV rays in comfort. They carry a wide selection of eyeglass frames to suit your style from top designers such as Kate Spade®, Saks Fifth Avenue®, Tory Burch®, and Michael Kors®. Protect your eye health in style by checking out the online inventory. Make an appointment with an optician in High Point, NC, by calling (336) 884-5677.