Summer is the perfect season to enjoy water activities and beat the heat. Swimming, surfing, jet skiing, and snorkeling are some of the most popular water sports that many of us love to participate in. While spending time in the water can be fun and refreshing, it's essential to make eye safety a priority. Eye injuries caused by water activities can be serious and lead to long-term vision problems. In this blog post, we share some helpful tips to keep your eyes safe during water activities this summer.
Why Water Can Make Your Eyes Burn:
Have you ever experienced burning or stinging eyes after a swim in the pool or ocean? This is because the water in pools, rivers, and oceans can irritate your eyes and cause redness, itching, and discomfort. The main cause of this irritation is the high pH levels of pool water and the salt content of the ocean. These substances can affect the natural tear film that coats and protects your eyes. To avoid this problem, you can wear water-tight goggles to keep water away from your eyes.
Keep Your Goggles On:
Wearing goggles is one of the most effective ways to protect your eyes during water activities. Goggles form a layer of protection between your eyes and the water, keeping chemicals, salt, sand, or dirt from entering your eyes. When choosing goggles, look for pairs that fit snugly without being too tight, and choose pairs that have anti-fog lenses to ensure clear vision. Whether you're swimming laps, jumping into waves, or diving underwater, goggles are a must-have safety accessory.
Leave Your Contacts on Land:
Do you wear contact lenses regularly? While it may be tempting to wear them while swimming or doing water sports, it's not recommended. Contact lenses can increase the risk of eye infections and injuries caused by bacteria or viruses that live in water. When you wear contact lenses in water, they absorb water and can become warped or lose their shape, which can cause pain, irritation, or even scratches on your cornea. If you do wear contact lenses while swimming, please also wear goggles to reduce the risk of pool water getting on your contacts.
Don't forget to protect your eyes from UV rays:
Anytime you are outside it's important to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. If you aren't actively swimming, remember to put your sun glasses on! At Lentz Eye Care we have a wide array of sunglasses and UV protective lenses for you to choose from. Our optometrists can help you find a pair that best fits you and your needs.
Protecting your eyes while enjoying water activities is essential for maintaining clear and healthy vision. By wearing goggles, leaving your contacts on land, and selecting the right eyewear for your needs, you can reduce the risk of eye injuries and discomfort caused by water-related irritation. At Lentz Eye Care, we are committed to providing our patients with quality solutions to protect and enhance their vision. Let us help you make the most of your summer adventures while keeping your eyes safe and healthy.