FIVE Shocking Summer Eye Health Risks
Courtesy Key-Whitman Eye Center
It ’ s summer and like most people , you ’ ll be spending more time outside . The warm weather is perfect for spending time with your loved ones at picnics , swimming pools , festivals , and many other outdoor events .
Summer is additionally when eye doctors , such as Key-Whitman Eye Center ’ s Dallas optometrist Amanda Hoelscher , see more patients seeking treatment for eye redness , pain and irritation .
Don ’ t take unnecessary risks with your family ’ s eyes . Dr . Hoelscher lists the top five culprits that endanger eye health during these summer months and tells what you can do to avoid them .
ONE : The sun . You have presumably heard how UV rays harm skin , and you probably use sunscreen yours and your children ’ s skin to avoid skin cancer . Be that as it may , how diligent would you say you are about shielding your eyes from UV rays ? If you have children , do you ensure they put on their sunglasses before heading outside ?
Sun damage to the eyes can prompt genuine complications , including permanent vision loss . As Dr . Hoelscher explains , “ UV exposure can cause harm to the front and back of the eyes and cause lasting retinal issues , eyelid cancers and surface issues like pterygiums – or surfer ’ s eye – where a growth of fleshy tissue appears on the clear covering over the white part of the eye .”
Subsequently , Dr . Hoelscher firmly thinks wearing sunglasses with UV protection ought to be required for all ages during outdoor activities , because the risks are genuine , common and begin at an early age .
According to a study distributed by the American Journal of Ophthalmology on UV-related eye disease and damage in children , researchers discovered sun damage in the eyes of 29 percent of children ages 9 to 11 and 81 percent of teens ages 12 to 15 .
“ Consumers have been well educated on the importance of wearing sunscreen , but they ’ re not so savvy when it comes to wearing sunglasses . In fact , one of the vision care insurance providers Key-Whitman accepts , VSP , conducted a survey that revealed while 82 percent of parents make their kids wear sunscreen , only 32 percent require their kids to wear sunglasses . The high rate of early sun damage in children ’ s eyes should make parents pause ,” Dr . Hoeslcher says .
TWO : Being at the Water Parks , Swimming Pools , or the Lake . Numerous dangers wait at these exciting spots where water and other individuals are everywhere . Chlorine , bacteria and lack of good hygiene can transform an awesome day into a trip to the eye doctor ’ s office , due to red , itchy , infected eyes .
As Dr . Hoelscher explains , “ During summer , bodies of water can teem with bacterial and viral eye infections , which can infect the eyes . Long-exposure to chlorine can also lead to eye irritation , so be sure to limit exposure to chlorine and use artificial tears to flush eyes and combat chlorine toxicity .”
Another regular issue at public swimming pools and water parks ? Sharing towels . “ Many people share towels at swimming pools , which isn ’ t a good idea . If someone with an eye infection rubs their face with a towel , that infection can easily be passed on to someone else who uses the same towel . Don ’ t share towels ,” says Dr . Hoelscher .
THREE : Amped up screen time . Amid summer get-aways , people have a tendency to spend invest more time on personal devices , such as tablets and smartphones . Simply consider those long car trips to grandmother ’ s home or any travel by air to a faraway destination .
Excessive screen time such as these can prompt eye discomfort for some . Taking frequent screen breaks and keeping artificial tears close-by for eye strain relief can work wonders .
According to Dr . Hoelscher , “ Increased exposure to digital screens can lead to what we refer to in our industry as digital eye strain . The eyes receive more exposure to blue light , which can be fatiguing . In addition , many people experience a decreased blink rate , which can increase dry eye symptoms and surface irritation . Your eye doctor can provide insight on treatments available for dry eye problems .”
FOUR : The wind . You don ’ t normally think of the wind being harmful but extended periods of time in a windy environment can wreak havoc on the eyes .
“ Wind dries out the surface of the eyes , which can lead to redness and pain . Some people even end up with eye infections due to wind exposure . Consider wearing wraparound sunglasses to protect eyes and use eye drops to flush out irritants ,” Dr . Hoelscher says .
20 DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | JULY / AUGUST 2017