Real Eyes Optometry

Summer is a season when everyone enjoys spending time out under the sun. All our optometrists at Real Eyes Optometry want to ensure that everyone is having fun and staying safe.

Summer Eye Protection

Wear authentic 100% UV filtering sunglasses. Not only do sunglasses make you look cool, but it can protect your eyes from sun damage and prevent conditions such as macular degeneration, cataracts, pterygium and corneal sunburn. Ultraviolet rays can cause sunburn, are also harmful to your eyes. Be sure you select lenses that filter UV rays for you and your family.

1. Summer Calls For Hats

Sunglasses are definitely the first step in summer eye protection, but there are gaps on the sides of the sunglasses that still allow UV rays in. Combining your sunglasses with a hat provides additional protection from the harsh summer rays and minimizes your exposure. The best hats are those with a wide brim around the entire hat, such as a bucket hat or “boater”. A baseball cap is also a good solution; ideally, the brim is approximately 3 inches wide to provide consistent protection around your eyes. There are also significantly more wide-brim hat options available, particularly for women, over the last few years that are both stylish and provide necessary summer protection. 

2. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes

Washing your hands and avoiding touching your face and eyes was one of the best ways to protect yourself from communicable diseases—and this still holds true. The simple habit of washing your hands on a regular basis can help avoid contracting eye conditions like conjunctivitis (pink eye). 

If you recently had eye surgery, such as LASIK/PRK, you are at increased risk for infection. Heightened cleanliness and avoiding touching your eyes will be vital. This includes putting in and taking out contacts, applying eye drops, and avoiding touching your eyes in general.

80% of a person’s lifetime UVR exposure occurs prior to the age of 18.

Stay Hydrated – Drinking enough fluids will also help your eyes produce more tears to keep them nice and

– The World Health Organization

Drinking plenty of water can prevent and counteract the negative effects of dehydration and provide adequate moisture for normal eye function.

• Hydrate. Not all liquids are equal, ensure you have lots of water or drinks with salts and electrolytes.
• Limit Spirits. Alcohol can impair your body’s ability to cool itself, so it is best to limit consumption during hot and extreme temperatures.

4. Wear Polarized Lenses

Polarized lenses are an excellent choice for summer because they provide advanced protection against the sun’s harsh glare and harmful UV rays. Unlike regular sunglasses, polarized lenses contain a special filter that blocks intense reflected light, which often bounces off surfaces like water, sand, or pavement. This not only makes your vision clearer and more comfortable but also reduces eye strain and fatigue during outdoor activities. At the same time, quality polarized lenses also include built-in UV protection, shielding your eyes from damaging UVA and UVB rays that can contribute to long-term issues such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and photokeratitis.

During the summer months, when sunlight is stronger and outdoor exposure is at its peak, polarized lenses can significantly improve both safety and comfort. They enhance visual clarity by improving contrast and color perception, which is especially helpful for driving, boating, or spending time at the beach. By combining glare reduction with full UV protection, polarized sunglasses provide comprehensive defense against the elements, helping you enjoy summer activities with healthier, more comfortable eyes.