Summer is HERE! And with that warm, sunny weather comes some essential seasonal eye care needs to ensure your sight and surrounding areas of your eyes are well cared for. According to Dr. Jason Guo of Evergreen Eye Centers, there are some simple steps you can implement.
S . . . sunglasses
Make sure your sunny shades are UV protective. Purchasing from a reputable retailer will ensure they are true UV certified.
U . . . UV blocking
Without UV blocking technology, you can expose yourself to pinguecula, develop cataracts, photokeratitis (cornea burns), dry eyes and light sensitivity.
MM . . . swimming
Chlorine in pools, salt in oceans and fungal growth in lakes can irritate the eyes; always take your contacts out and wear goggles.
E . . . eye drops
Summer creates a lot of dryness and itchy eyes because of the pollen in the air, so that calls for artificial tears. You’ll want to use preservative-free drops and here’s a little tip – put the bottle in the fridge. Then the cold drops give you extra relief and make your eyes feel even better.
R . . . rehydration
With summertime heat, you will want to drink a lot of fluid to avoid dry eye or dryness around the eyes. Dr. Guo’s best advice is to drink your fluids.
But whether it is summer or any time of year, the best thing you can do to ensure great eyesight is to have your annual eye exam. According to Dr. Guo, “Vision is a learned experience. We get so used to the way our sight is at the time that we think it is normal and it is not. Remember that vision is your independence.”
Evergreen Eye Center has locations in Tacoma, Auburn, Federal Way, Burien, and Seattle.
For Additional Information
Evergreen Eye Center
evergreeneye.org