Protecting Your Eyes in the Summer Sun

Think of your health. Are you thinking of how you take care of your body – how often you exercise, what you consume, how often you go to the doctor, etc.? How often do you think to take care of your eyes? Maybe it’s the standard of going to the optometrist once a year, or maybe you haven’t been in quite some time. Our eyes are just as important, if not more important, than other organs. They provide us sight, and staying on top of your routine checkups ensures healthy eyes that keep us not only alert but safe.

As summer quickly approaches, the temps begin to rise and the sun begins to shine brighter and longer; are you prepared to protect your eyes? Taking care of your eyes and your vision should be at the top of your list. EyeCare Optical in Lake Nona is here to help you maintain your eye health and protect your vision, especially during the summer months. The Lake Nona EyeCare Optical location opened in May 2019 and is backed by the Magruder Eye Institute, Central Florida’s standard for excellence in eye care for over 50 years. 

Summertime means you’re probably beginning to spend more time outdoors doing the things that you love. You might remember to apply sunscreen to protect your skin, but do you remember to protect your eyes with a good pair of sunglasses or goggles?

Dr. Viviana Lopez is an optometrist at EyeCare Optical. She knows just how important eye protection is and why you should implement it and make it a priority in your daily routine if you haven’t already.

“Sunglasses are a great accessory that we should all consider when it comes to summer days or even year-round in Florida. Not only do they look great while reflecting your individual style, but selecting the right pair of sunglasses will protect your eyes from harmful UV rays,” Lopez explained. “When choosing a pair of sunglasses, you want to make sure that they are labeled ‘100% UV protection.’ You should wear sunglasses that will protect you from UV-A and UV-B rays. Do not forget the little ones! They also need UV protection.”

So we already know that the sun emits harmful UV rays, but how harmful are they if we allow our eyes to go unprotected?

“According to a study reported by the National Eye Institute in 2014 led by researchers at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, ‘chronic’ sunlight exposure potentially increases the risk of cataracts, which is a cloudiness of the lens (typically an aging process). The study shows chemical changes in the eye lens induced by UV light,” Dr. Lopez described. “It is important to point out that everyone is at risk for eye damage from UV exposure. UV radiation exposure can have both short- and long-term damage to the eyes. There are many conditions caused or worsened by exposure to UV radiation such as cataracts, macular degeneration, corneal damage induced by UV light (causes temporary vision loss), pterygiums, and even skin cancer in or around the eyelids.”

When the temperature rises, you typically spend more time in the pool, at the lake, or at the beach. Dr. Lopez advises wearing goggles to ensure your eyes are always protected from potential contaminants.

“One of the most enjoyable activities during the summer is swimming. The chlorine in the pool can be irritating to the eyes. The salt water from the ocean or rivers contain many contaminants that can be very harmful to the eyes. For this reason, swimming goggles should be a part of your ‘swimwear attire’ whenever you are in the water.”

So, are you potentially at risk for UV exposure and damage to your vision? Dr. Lopez breaks it down for us to identify possible risk factors.

“The more time you spend in the sun, the greater the risk of UV radiation exposure to your eyes. Ask yourself:

• Do I spend long hours in the sun?
• Do I use a tanning bed?
• Have I had cataract surgery or any retinal diseases?
• Am I taking medication that increases the eye’s sensitivity to sunlight?

“Identifying some of the risk factors, knowing the danger of UV radiation, and wearing proper eye protection (i.e., sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen) will help protect your eyes from those harmful UV rays.”

EyeCare Optical is here to help with all of your summer needs. From comprehensive eye health exams to providing a wide variety of eyewear perfect for all of your needs (sunglasses, eyeglasses, contacts), they have something for everyone. The team of eye care professionals at EyeCare Optical Lake Nona is here to help. During the summer months, keep an eye out for EyeCare Optical’s summertime promo – 30% off sunglasses with the purchase of eyeglasses (inquire for details).

EyeCare Optical accepts most insurances. In addition to Lake Nona, there are five other EyeCare Optical centers in Central Florida. You can find the EyeCare Optical Lake Nona location in Laureate Park at 13630 Sachs Ave, Suite 120, Orlando, FL 32827. For more information, visit myeyecareoptical.com or call (407) 910-2088.

Photos by Rhys Lynn