These preventative steps can keep you from spoiling your summer day. Let’s talk about the summer! Playing in the water on a warm sunny day is the best! Luckily, within minutes, you could be splashing with joy at Heise Hot Springs, Blacktail or Jefferson County Lake. However, with the fun also comes exposure! This means that in our great state of Idaho, we are exposed to low humidity, high heat, wind, and sun rays. All can be causes of eye pain, many times referred to as sunburned eyes.
Even though sunburns on your skin and eyes tend to fade on their own, lasting damage could appear as a result of repeated or excessive exposure.
PREVENTIVE STEP ONE: WEAR A HAT.
“When worn correctly and made out of the correct materials, a wide brim hat provides almost full protection from the sun,” said Aaron J. Affleck, M.D., a comprehensive ophthalmologist at Affleck, M.D. Eye Care – Surgical and Medical Ophthalmology Clinic in Idaho Falls, ID.
PREVENTIVE STEP TWO: WEAR UV- PROTECTIVE SUNGLASSES
“However, when you are surrounded by either water, sand, snow or ice, you need to be aware that powerful and harmful UV rays are reflecting back up into your eyes.” Dr. Affleck continues. “This is when wearing sunglasses made out of the correct material becomes critical. Protective eyewear or UV- protective sunglasses should have at least protection at class 3 or filter UV up to 400 nm. Many times, you will find the class indicated on the inside of the sunglass temple. The design of the sunglasses should filter UV light that comes from the top and sides.”
PREVENTIVE STEP THREE: REGULARY USE OF LUBRICATION DROPS
In the state of Idaho, we often experience low humidity and high winds. These elements can cause dryness and even a feeling like something is in your eyes. Preventative steps can keep you from spoiling your summer day like using regularly, throughout your day, use of over-the-counter moisture eye drops can help reduce your discomfort. Dr. Affleck recommends preservative-free lubricating drops. Always check with your eye doctor before using any kind of eye drop. Some common brands are Refresh, Systane, and Blink tears. Even some generic brands are fine as long as the label reads preservative-free. Again, check with your ophthalmologist, but most preservative-free lubrication drops can be used as often as you need.
Preventive measures are simple: use a good hat, a good pair of UV-blocking sunglasses, and lubricating drops. Don’t forget the sunblock!