Protect your eyes from some threats by taking some easy precautions.

Summer is about vacations, sunny days and outdoor activities. And this leads to constant exposure to the intense rays of the sun for long periods and results in eye problems. Ideally, one should avoid the sun after 10 am and only go outdoors after 4 pm, because the interim is when the rays are harshest. But since you can’t hide indoors and need to brave the sun, here are some eye-care tips that could ensure healthier summers.

Eye drops can help minimize problems – Eye drops can help but one must use them only after consulting a qualified eye specialist. Eyes tend to dry out in summer for some people and so, lubricating drops are required. Ideally, the drops should be preservative free. People, who are recovering from eye surgeries or disorders or have allergies, need eye drops. Dry eyes could be a symptom of something serious, too, so consulting a doctor is essential. There are some generic eye drops available in the market which can be used to cleanse eyes but consulting eye specialist is recommended.

Wide-brimmed hats offer protection – Sunglasses, even the wrap-around ones, have gaps to let in harmful rays and they are not good enough when it comes to thorough protection from UV rays, unless accompanied with a wide-brimmed hat. Sun exposure could lead to a from of skin cancer of the lower eyelids, which could also spread to the entire area near your eyes.

Optimum sleep is essential – Staying awake for long can lead to decreased cognition on visual tasks. All eye experts strongly recommend people to ensure adequate restful sleep for at least seven to eight hours in order to rejuvenate your eyes in a natural way. Sleeplessness could lead to problems and accidents in daily activities like driving, cooking etc. Also, tired eyes could feel dry and encourage rubbing and stimulation of the lacrimal gland. This could expose you to irritants and diseases.

Pool goggles are necessary – People who swim in swimming pool should wear pool goggles every time during their stay in the swimming pool, or other water bodies like rivers, seas etc. The chlorine in swimming pools that is designed to protect you from germ exposure can actually harm eyes and make them weepy and irritable. The moment you get out of the pool, wash your eyes with fresh water. Contact lens should be removed before you jump into the inviting water for a swim. Studies have revealed that when your eyes are exposed to chlorine for long, it affects the protective layer on your cornea. When this layer is harmed, your eyes are exposed to diseases. Wearing contact lenses when splashing about in water could trap microorganisms and infect your eyes.

Guard eyes from ultraviolet rays – Polarised sunglasses that offer 100 per cent protection from ultraviolet rays, should be your constant companion during summer. Experts suggest that one should never go without them even during overcast days when there is no direct sunlight because harmful rays penetrate the clouds. Excessive exposure to ultra violet rays could lead to snow-blindness or photokeratitis, say experts. Constant exposure for hours could lead to cataracts or skin cancer of eyelids.

Keep hands clean – Rubbing frequently could lead to eye infections. Also, only clean sterilised hands should be used to apply eye drops, eye ointments etc. Washing hands and keeping them clean is essential to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.

Eyes, which enable us to watch this beautiful world, require extra care especially in summers when more exposed to some threats. Unlike a machine whose parts are reparable or replaceable, our body has no such option once any of the organ’s functionality is affected. So, take care of your eyes by following very simple steps mentioned above. Healthy eyes will show the beauty of this world in more beautiful way.