August is National Eye Exam Month! While August is a good time to focus on our eye health (and maybe schedule that eye exam we’ve been putting off), eye health is something that should be taken seriously throughout the year. We’ve covered normal age-related eye changes, common eye health tips, cataracts, and finding low-cost eye exams in the past. Today we’re going to explore the unique challenges each season brings for your eyes and how to make sure your eyes are protected all year long.  

 

Summer 

• Challenges:  
  • Stronger UV rays (exposure can lead to a variety of issues, including cataracts). 
  • Microbes and infections from public swimming pools.  
  • Sand.  

• Eye Tips 
  • Stay out of the sun when it’s strongest (midday to early afternoon).  
  • Make sure to wear sunglasses whenever you’re outside during the day. Stick to sunglasses that say they offer 100% UV protection.  
  • You may want to consider wraparound sunglasses to protect the skin around your eyes.  
  • Hats, especially hats with a wide brim, can also protect your eyes from the sun.  
  • Make sure to wear protective eye wear when mowing the lawn or doing other projects outside.  
  • Wear swim goggles (you can even find some that are prescription!). 
  • It’s natural to want to rub our eyes when we get sand in them, but it’s better to use sterile saline to gently rinse it out. Rubbing can lead to irritation or even a scratched cornea.  
  • Take advantage of all the wonderful fruits and vegetables that are available in Michigan during the summer. Many of these fruits and vegetables have vitamins that are good for eye health.  

 

Fall 

• Challenges: 
  • Allergies and pollen. 
  • Debris from leaves. 
  • Colder, drier weather.  
  • Windier weather, which can dry out eyes.  
  • Smoke from bonfires (can cause dry eyes). 
  • We tend to associate sunglasses with summer and may be less likely to wear them in other seasons. 

• Eye Tips: 
  • Keep your windows closed to keep allergens out of your home. 
  • Buy an air purifier to get rid of allergens.  
  • Make sure to wear protective eye wear when raking leaves. 
  • Stay hydrated. 
  • Use a humidifier to combat dry air.  
  • Limit time in overheated rooms (this can lead to dry eyes). 
  • Wash your hands often. This not only keeps germs away but can also get rid of allergens that may be on your hands.  
  • Take advantage of all the wonderful fruits and vegetables that are available in Michigan during the fall. Many of these fruits and vegetables have vitamins that are good for eye health. 
  • Talk to your doctor about using eye drops if you regularly experience dry eyes.  

 

Winter 

• Challenges 
  • Cold, dry air.  
  • Over-heated rooms.  
  • UV rays bouncing off ice and snow (again, we’re more likely to wear sunglasses in summer than other seasons). 

• Eye Tips 
  • Limit time spent in overheated rooms.  
  • Use a humidifier to add moisture back into the air.  
  • It gets darker much earlier; make sure you have bright lights in your home so you can see clearly.  
  • Talk to your doctor about using eye drops if you regularly experience dry eyes. 

 

Spring  

• Challenges 
  • Pollen and allergies are at their peak.  
  • Dry eyes.  
  • Spring cleaning (specifically dust, allergens, and chemicals). 

• Eye Tips 
  • Opt for glasses instead of contacts since allergens can stick to contact lenses.  
  • Wear sunglasses.  
  • Try to stay indoors when the pollen count is high.  
  • Use sterile saline to get irritants out of your eye instead of rubbing.  
  • Wear proper eye protection when mowing the lawn or doing other outside projects.  
  • Wear proper eye protection when cleaning (to avoid dust or other allergens getting into your eyes) or using cleaning products.  
  • Wash your hands before touching your face or eyes.  
  • Talk to your doctor about using eye drops if you regularly experience dry eyes.