Learning About Diagnosing Common Health Problems

Posted on: 26 June 2018

Summer is here, which means the threat to your eyes has increased. You might not know this, but your eyes are exposed to a variety of risks during the summer. Some of those risks might be issues that you haven't even thought about. You probably go out of your way to protect yourself from summer injuries. However, if those precautions aren't extending to your eyes, you might be at risk for vision problems this summer. Here are four things you need to know about summer and your eyes.

Your Eyes Can Get Sunburned

If you're wearing sunscreen when you go outside during the summer, you're protecting yourself from the dangers of sunburn. However, your eyes can get sunburned too, especially when they're exposed to direct sunlight. Unfortunately, even if you're not looking directly at the sun while you're outside, your eyes are still receiving dangerous exposure to the sun. You can protect your eyes against sunburn by wearing sunglasses whenever you're outside. You should also be wearing a hat that provides facial protection. Those two steps will help protect your eyes from sun exposure, all summer long.

Your Hands can Spread Germs to Your Eyes

If you're not washing your hands during the summer, you could be spreading germs to your eyes. You might not think about it, but everywhere you go during the summer, you're picking up germs on your hands. Unfortunately, when you touch your eyes, you're infecting them with harmful germs and bacteria. Some of the germs and bacteria that are getting into your eyes from your dirty hands can lead to serious infections. You can protect your eyes from harmful infections by washing your hands frequently during the summer, and by avoiding hand-to-eye contact as much as possible.

Dehydration Affects Your Eyes

If you're not drinking plenty of water during the summer, you're at risk for dehydration. Unfortunately, dehydration doesn't just affect your body and your skin. It also affects your vision. Your eyes require plenty of moisture and hydration to stay healthy. When you're dehydrated, you may notice that your vision becomes a little blurry. That's a sure sign that you need to increase your fluid intake. To avoid vision problems this summer, always carry a bottle of drinking water with you.

Your Eyes Need Protection from Yard Work

If your summer is going to involve plenty of yard work, be sure to wear protective eyewear. Things like dust, grass trimmings, and other small particles of debris can really damage your eyes during the summer. You can avoid that damage by wearing goggles whenever you work in the yard.

Now that summer is here, take steps to protect your vision. If you notice changes in your vision, or experience problems with your eyes, be sure to visit your local ophthalmology clinic.