The season we’ve been patiently waiting for has finally arrived! Here at the Hollywood Eye Institute, we love the summer time. This time of the year is perfect for hosting barbecues, taking trips to the beach, and enjoying a nice tan. With great fun, comes great responsibility. Eye injuries are most common in the summer, especially when it comes to children. Read on to view our summer safety checklist!

Summer Safety Checklist

Eye Protection

A common source of eye infections stems from chemicals in swimming pools. Ideally, a swimming pool that is Ph-balanced is free of germs due to chemicals like chlorine cleansing the water. However, the chemicals in the water can still irritate the eye. The best way to ensure your eyes are protected from chemicals while swimming is to wear protective gear like googles. We recommend wearing Swim masks or non-corrective goggles, which can prevent a lot of needless eye infections.

Sunglasses – In a previous blog post, UV Safety, we discussed the harmful effects of UV rays. Remember to wear sunglasses that are 100% UV proof and contain lenses that have the most resistance like polycarbonate or Trivex® material. If you wear dark lenses without UV protection, your pupils can dilate, allowing UV rays to enter the eye. Therefore, wearing dark sunglasses without UV protection does more harm than good.

Body Protection

Wide-brimmed hats – These hats are top-tier protection from UV rays because they block UV rays from contacting your eyes at multiple angles

Sunscreen – Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher: Reapply at least every 2 hours, as well as after swimming or sweating.

Safety Tips

  1. When engaging in sports activities, wear protective eyewear in order to protect your eyes from flying objects.
  2. Limit time spent in UV rays – Place a limit on the amount of time spent in UV light such as beaches, pools, and tanning beds for a comfortable mix of fun and safety.
  3. Clouds don’t block UV rays – Understand that UV rays can pass through clouds and cause damage.
  4. Seek shade: Limit your direct exposure to the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
  5. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
  6. Maintain a full first aid kit to be prepared for any emergencies.

In Case of Emergency

In the event that dirt and foreign materials get in their eye, please remember not to rub them. Instinctively, we rub our eyes in the presence of an irritant. However, rubbing the can easily damage our corneas with scratching or tearing. The best way to cleanse your eyes is to flush the eye with water (or saline eye-drops) while blinking rapidly until the particles are cleared.

Contact Us

Schedule an eye exam – Know the exact state of you precious eyes by scheduling an eye exam. Dr. Shareen Greenbaum will provide a comprehensive exam which will help you be cognizant of your ocular health and allow you to prepare for UV Rays.

Start your summer off by scheduling your annual eye exam with Dr. Greenbaum? Give our office a call or simply schedule an appointment via ZocDoc.