Summer, the season of vacations, adventures, and all the sunshine. But if you wear contact lenses, the hot, sticky summer weather can present its own set of challenges to eye health. More so if you have access to the pool and you will be swimming, increased exposure to heat, dust and UV rays as well as dust means you need to be extra careful with your lenses in order to avoid infections, dryness and discomfort. By incorporating some intelligent habits, you can make the most of the summer without sacrificing your vision.
If you’re concerned about summer contact lens safety, it’s important to know the risks and how to prevent them. The mix of sweat, sunscreen, and the environment can be as troublesome for your eyes and lenses. In hot weather, you’re also more likely to become dehydrated, which can cause your lenses to dry out faster and leave your vision and eyes feeling a bit blurry and irritated. So be sure to keep up with hygiene, drink plenty of water.
1. Prioritize Hygiene at All Times
The most important thing you can do for safe contact lens use in the summer is good hygiene. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your lenses. You’re likely to get sand, dirt, and everything else under the sun on your hands during summer. One stray grain of dust can be not only irritating but, worse, the harbinger of a serious eye infection. Dry your hands with a lint-free towel before you put the contacts in, or take them out.
Not to mention cleaning and storing your lenses correctly. Use only fresh, recommended contact lens solution — never water or saliva to store or clean in place of contact solution. Replace your case every three months to prevent bacteria building up. Keeping clean hands and clean lenses will help you prevent having a summer eye infection.
2. Stay Hydrated for Lens Comfort
Summer dehydration is bad for pretty much the whole body, including the eyes. “If your body doesn’t have enough water, it can’t make much tears, either, so the surface of your eyes may not get moist enough, resulting in dry eyes. You may find contact lens wear uncomfortable if you have dry eyes and, over time, if left untreated, it can even damage the surface of your cornea.
For increased safety of contact lens wear during the summer, be sure to drink water all day long. 8-10 glasses a day (even more if you’re working out outside ) You can use lubricating eye drops which are safe for contact lens users to help your eyes stay moist and comfortable.
3. Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays
Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can harm your eyes, increasing the risk for photokeratitis (sunburn of the eye), cataracts and macular degeneration. Some styles of contact lenses include a UV protection, but these don’t go over the whole eye. That’s why even if your lenses are UV protective, you should wear 100% UV-protective sunglasses.
For ultimate summer contact lens safety opt for wrap-around sunglasses that protect your eyes from every angle. Those added protections — UV-blocking lenses and sunglasses — protect your eye health in sunny weather.
4. Be Cautious Around Water
You should not swim with contact lenses. Pools, lakes and even the ocean harbor microorganisms, like Acanthamoeba, that can produce serious eye infections, including those that can result in vision loss. And if you really insist on wearing lenses in the pool, buy some seriously legit polarized goggles to keep the water out.
Alternatively, consider using daily disposable lenses when planning water activities. In this way you can throw the lenses away after use and don’t have to worry about infection. Summer contact lens safety And, water safety practices are a vital part of having a safe summer with your contacts.
5. Manage Sunscreen Application Carefully
You have to wear sunscreen in the summer, but when it gets in your eyes, it can burn, sting and make you go partially blind. To shield your eyes while still reaping the rewards of sunscreen, apply the product with caution, ensuring that it fully absorbed before putting your contacts back in.
Choose mineral-based, sunscreens that won’t irritate, and use only clean fingers to apply them, keeping far away from your eyes. If sunscreen has inadvertently come into contact with the eyes whilst wearing the lenses, remove the lenses and rinse with saline before cleaning the lenses and reinserting.
6. Follow Your Eye Care Professional’s Advice
Summer is a time when many people are tempted to wear their lenses for extended hours, especially while traveling and participating in outdoor activities. But wearing your lenses too much obstructs the oxygen that reaches your eyes, which can cause severe health problems such as corneal ulcers!
Always follow the recommended wearing schedule for your lenses and never wear them while sleeping unless they have been specifically designed for overnight wear. Routine visits with your eye care provider can help insure you are staying healthy and your lenses and eyes are in good condition and that you are conforming to good summer of contact lens care.
7. Opt for Daily Disposables During Travel
If you are going to be traveling all summer long, it’s a good idea to use daily disposable contact lenses. They are handy, sanitary and no more cotton wool and such like. By donning a new pair each day, you can dramatically reduce your risk of infections — a big plus in the quest for summer contact lens safety.
And if you want to pack light, it’s the perfect choice since you won’t have to lug around large solution bottles and accessories. Daily disposables do make special sense if you are going to multiple outdoor events, such as hiking, beach trips or camping.
Summer is a time to enjoy fun, relaxation and making memories in the sun, not eye infections or discomfort. Good hygiene, hydration, UV protection for your eyes, water caution and expert advice are all part of a safe summer contact lens routine.
If you notice redness, irritation, blurred vision — or any other unusual sensation in your eyes while wearing your lenses this summer, don't dismiss it. Getting expert help if and when needed helps to prevent molehills from becoming mountains.
For professional consultation, specialized eye care, and the most innovative contact lens services, schedule a visit at The Eye Foundation Hospital today. Allow our experts to provide you with a safe, healthy, and fun summer experience while keeping your eyesight in tact!
