With warmer temperatures approaching, many are ready to shake off the cold season and get outside! in fact, being in the great outdoors isn’t just a mood booster, it’s good for your health as we receive vitamin D through sun exposure. Though the sun can be a source of joy, it also could cause some serious health concerns if you’re not careful, especially to your eyes. So before you enjoy the mild, sunny weather, be sure to keep these precautions in mind when it comes to protecting your eyes in the sun.
Avoid Direct Eye Contact With the Sun
While it may be tempting to get a scenic look of the sun in a crystal blue sky, don’t forget that the sun is a bright light, capable of causing severe eye damage. Short term effects can range from eye discomfort and headaches to more serious eye conditions that could cause lifelong damage like distorted vision.
Avoid Eye Contact With Shiny Surfaces on Sunny Days
When you’re out on a beautiful day, the sun in the sky is not the only thing you need to avert your eyes from. Avoid looking into any surfaces, such as water, sand, metal that reflect sunlight. Staring directly into reflective surfaces like these in the sun, even if it’s for a few seconds, can cause damage to your vision.
Wear Polarized, UV-Blocking Sunglasses
They’re not just for the summer, they’re actually for any time you’re out in the sun, no matter the temperature. Polarized sunglasses help reduce any glare from shiny surfaces you may come in contact with. Additionally, the UV-blocking aspect of the sunglasses is for significantly reducing the emission of UV rays to your eyes.
Wear a Hat
In additions to sunglasses, look for a wide-brimmed hat to keep the UV rays out of your eyes. Additionally, hats can also provide added coverage from getting a sunburn on your scalp, neck or face. To protect the rest of your skin, be sure to wear sunblock with a SPF30 count.
Having Eye Problems, Visit Our Vision Center
At Community Access Network, we pride ourselves in being the community’s health resource, that includes offering comprehensive care in a variety of health services, such as eye care. If you suspect your having any vision problems at all, visit one of our opthamologists health providers! We accept appointments and walk-ins.
