Hot and health of the eyes: the 5 main enemies of vision in summer

Did you know? In summer, eye problems increase by 25-30%. While since the beginning of the season there is never a shortage of advice on how to protect the skin, another fundamental aspect, namely the eye healthis underestimated. In the summer months, in fact, the eyes are subjected to a strong stress caused by intense heat, solar rays and External agents such as wind, salt, sand chlorine. The result? «Going to inflammation And important infectionswhich can cause vision damage, as well as ruining the holidays », explains the Dr. Sergio Ares Of Bavaria Clinic. Among the most common photoocheratitis, conjunctivitis, keratoconjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome And blefarite.

In particular, as Ares explains, there are five eye ailments typical of summer period:

1. Eye dryness – The intense hot And the transition from wet climate to the fresh fresh air contribute to dehydration, making the eyes dry and irritated;
2. Ocular inflammation – the excessive exposure to UV rays It can inflame the eye surface, causing problems such as conjunctivitis and keratitis;
3. Infections – Wet swimming pools and environments facilitate the spread of viruses and bacteria harmful to the eyes;
4. Visual fatigue – Intense sunlight, dry air and wind can to affact the sight;
5. Irritation – Solar creams, sand and salt They can irritate, especially if they come into direct contact with the eyes.

How to protect the view during the summer holidays

There are six “rules” to follow to prevent the risks of irritation and other vision disorders.

Drink lots of water and bring artificial tears with it, to be instilled especially in the hottest hours. Even consuming fruit and vegetables helps to fight dryness.

Summer UV rays are particularly harmful. It is essential to choose models with certified protection, even better if enveloping. In the form of a stamp, the certification provides fundamental information, such as the category of the solar filter. For example, excellent lenses «with filter UV 400, which indicates that the lens is designed to block all ultraviolet radiation with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers, thus protecting both from Uva and UVB rays. This type of lens offers a very high level of protection, equal to 99-100%».

Excessive use of air conditioners can accentuate eye dryness.

Roofing the eyes after bathrooms at the sea or in the pool could facilitate the introduction of sand or irritating agents.

To cleanse your eyes after a bathroom, use a saline solution, in order to eliminate salt or chlorine.

Use sterile gauze to dry your eyes: towels can convey bacteria or debris.

Contact lenses in water: the risks

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«Another habit/rule to remember absolutely is that of Do not wear contact lenses during swimming»Adds Ares. Keep the lenses in contact while in the water (in the pool, at the sea or even in the shower) it involves strong risks for eye health. The water, both sweet and salty or chlorined, can contain bacteria, mushrooms and others microorganisms dangerous that are deposited on the lenses and can cause even serious eye infections, such as keratitis from Acanthamamoeba.
In addition, water can alter the adherence of the lenses To the eye, cause irritation and, in the case of rigid lenses, facilitate their movement or detachment. In their place, “it is better to opt for certified swimming goggles, made of resistant materials such as polycarbonate, which prevent the supporting under water”, recommends the specialist.

If you don’t want to do without the lenses “you can use the disposable ones and make sure you always throw them after swimming,” he adds. Instead, “those who do not bring contact lenses can open their eyes under water, but always remembering that salt and chlorine always cause a little irritation. Better to always use swimming glasses “.