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Protecting your eyes in summer: a special focus on sea, pool and sun!

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Summer holidays often mean sunshine, swimming, and outdoor activities! However, between UV rays, sea salt, pool chlorine, wind, and sand, our eyes can be put to the test. Here are a few simple precautions to help preserve your visual comfort throughout the summer…

Sun: Protect your eyes from UV rays just like your skin

We often think about applying sunscreen in the summer, but your eyes also need proper protection! Excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays can contribute to eye damage such as photokeratitis (inflammation of the cornea caused by UV radiation) or promote certain long-term conditions like cataracts. In this regard, the World Health Organization reminds us that UV rays can cause acute and chronic damage to the eyes.

For effective protection, choose sunglasses bearing the CE marking and indicating UV400 protection, which blocks UVA and UVB rays. The lens tint is not a sufficient indicator: very dark lenses without a UV filter can even be misleading, as the pupil dilates more in the dark, allowing more radiation to enter.

Whether at the beach or in the mountains, a wraparound frame close to the temples also limits the arrival of rays from the sides: keep that in mind!

Seawater: preventing stinging eyes after swimming

After swimming in the sea, it's common to experience stinging, redness, or a gritty sensation in the eyes. The salt in seawater can temporarily disrupt the tear film, the thin layer of tears that protects and hydrates the surface of the eye.

The wind, particularly present on the beaches, also accentuates the evaporation of tears and can cause a feeling of dryness or discomfort.

Here are a few simple steps to avoid these types of undesirable effects and not spoil your precious moments of relaxation by the water:

  • avoid rubbing your eyes with wet or sandy hands;
  • rinse your eyes with fresh water after swimming as a precaution or if any discomfort occurs;
  • Use artificial tears or moisturizing drops in case of occasional dryness.

True or False in Swimming Pools: Does chlorine damage the eyes?

Red eyes after swimming in a pool are common. Contrary to popular belief, it is not only the chlorine itself that causes the irritation: chemical reactions between chlorine and organic matter present in the water (such as perspiration) can form irritating compounds called chloramines .

The most common symptoms are:

  • redness;
  • tingling;
  • sensation of dryness;
  • vision temporarily blurred.

To limit these inconveniences, appropriate swimming goggles are an excellent solution. They create a barrier between the eye and the water, while improving the comfort of regular swimmers. For people with vision correction, there are also swimming goggles with corrective lenses. Good news, isn't it? Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels[/caption]

Contact lenses and swimming: what precautions should be taken?

Swimming with contact lenses is strongly discouraged. Lenses can trap microorganisms present in the water and increase the risk of eye infection.

Health authorities therefore recommend avoiding contact between lenses and water, whether fresh, salt or chlorinated.

If you wear contact lenses:

  • prefer swimming goggles without lenses underwater;
  • Opt for daily disposable lenses if your eye care professional deems them suitable, and discard them after swimming;
  • Always carry a spare pair of glasses;
  • Avoid sleeping with contact lenses under any circumstances, especially after a day of swimming.

In case of pain, severe redness, decreased vision or significant sensitivity to light after swimming, it is best to consult a healthcare professional quickly.

Good habits to enjoy summer without discomfort

You have all the tools you need to protect your eyes and those of your loved ones this summer!

A quick reminder of our special holiday checklist, remember to include these items this summer:

  • wear appropriate sunglasses whenever there is significant exposure;
  • use swimming goggles for regular swimming;
  • protect your eyes from the wind and sand;
  • hydrate your eyes with suitable drops in case of dryness;
  • Follow the instructions for using your lenses.

With a few simple habits, it is entirely possible to fully enjoy the beach, the pool and summer activities while taking care of your eye health !

Featured Photo Credits: Yong Rodil

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