Taking steps to protect your eyes during the summer holiday season, like wearing proper eyewear, staying hydrated, and being mindful of your environment, can help maintain good eye health and prevent long-term damage. Summer brings longer days and more intense sunlight. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can cause damage to the eyes, leading to conditions like photokeratitis (similar to a sunburn on the cornea), cataracts, and macular degeneration over time.
𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝘁: South Africa’s sun can be intense, especially in summer. Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays to protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet exposure.
𝗪𝗶𝗱𝗲-𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗮𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Along with sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat can provide additional protection from the sun.
𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗛𝘆𝗱𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱: Hot and dry conditions can lead to dehydration, which can affect eye health. Drink plenty of water to keep your eyes moist and clear.
𝗕𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀: If you’re engaging in outdoor adventure sports, like hiking, surfing, or safari trips, wear protective eyewear to shield your eyes from dust, wind, and potential injuries.
𝗕𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝘀: Chlorinated water in swimming pools can irritate your eyes. Consider wearing swim goggles to protect your eyes while swimming.
𝗪𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆: This is crucial to avoid transferring germs and dirt from your hands to your eyes, which can cause infections.
𝗔𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝗥𝘂𝗯𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗘𝘆𝗲𝘀: This can spread germs or allergens and irritate your eyes. Use a clean tissue or wash your hands thoroughly if you need to touch your eyes.
𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗘𝘆𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘂𝗽 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻: Ensure that any products used around your eyes are of high quality and are not expired, to avoid irritation or allergic reactions.
𝗥𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗘𝘆𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸-𝘂𝗽𝘀: Before going on a holiday, it’s a good idea to have a routine eye check-up, especially if you plan to engage in activities that could strain your eyes.
𝗔𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝘀𝘄𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲𝘀: Contact lenses and water should never mix. Water may contain certain germs that are a major threat to contact lens wearers’ eyes. Alternatively, wear well-fitting goggles, which you can even have made to match your prescription.
☎️ 023 342 5827
📧 optom@vls.co.za
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