(ShineTerra / Shutterstock.com)
The warmer months are here, and with it comes pool time, beach days, and outdoor adventures. Perhaps you’ve already made a habit of putting on sunscreen and protecting your skin from the strong UV rays.
Onlymyhealth, a health and lifestyle website, explains it is important to remember to care for your eyes — since UV rays can affect your eyesight as well. With a few easy and simple habits, you can keep your eyes safe all summer long.
Why UV Protection Makes a Difference
Your eyes are considered one of the most important sensory organs in your body, and they are sensitive. Long-term exposure to UV light can lead to eye health issues in the future. Ultraviolet radiation can either come from the sun or from artificial indoor lights, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Overexposure to these lights can potentially raise the risk of dangerous eye conditions such as eye sunburn, cataracts, eye cancer, and even permanent vision loss.
The good news is that you can protect your eyes with a good pair of UV-blocking sunglasses. The AAO recommends getting sunglasses that offer 100 percent UV or UV400 coverage, or ones that block both UV-A and UV-B rays. Wearing a hat can also help protect your eyes, and being careful not to look directly at the sun is a good way to avoid problems as well.
View this post on Instagram
Starting Eye Care Young
It is never too soon to develop some of these smart habits. Young children usually enjoy wearing sunglasses, and getting them in the habit is a great way to set them up for success. Also, staying indoors when the sun is at its strongest — from midday to early afternoon — is another smart way to stay safe. As CNN reports, these rays can still affect you even in the shade or when it’s cloudy — so make sure to still take precautions to protect yourself.
Your Diet Matters
Another way to promote eye health and wellness this summer is through eating the right foods. Make sure you and your family are consuming the right nutrients. According to CNET, vitamins A and E support your vision and vitamin C may even act as sunscreen for your eyes. Zinc is another nutrient that can boost eye health, and is found in meats, legumes, eggs, and some nuts.
Caring for your eyes during the summer is simple. With the right sunglasses, healthy food choices, and smart habits, you can easily enjoy all the season has to offer while staying safe and healthy. Don’t forget to get some sun for your dose of vitamin D, and while doing so, show your eyes some love too.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
Beach Safety Rules Parents Should Know
How to Protect Your Eyesight as You Age
Embracing Sunscreen for Radiant Skin
