Summer Sight Safety: How to Protect Your Eyes in the Sun

As summer arrives and school holidays approach, many of us look forward to time spent outdoors, whether at home or travelling abroad. But while sunshine, beach trips, and swimming are seasonal highlights, the warmer months can also present hidden risks for your eyes. Read on as Chief Medical Officer and Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon Dr Amir Hamid shares his expert advice on keeping your eyes healthy and comfortable all summer long.

Why Summer Can Be Tough on Your Eyes

Our eyes work hard all year round, but they have a particularly tough time in summer. Dr Amir Hamid explains: “Our eyes work hard all year round, but they have a particularly tough time in the summer, dealing with bright sunshine that can cause UV burns and uncomfortable dryness. But with a little knowledge and care, it’s easy to prevent these problems whilst taking care of our eyes.”

Mr Hamid’s Top Tips for Looking After Your Eyes in Summer

Looking after your eyes during the warmer months doesn’t need to be complicated. Dr Amir Hamid shares his expert advice on how to keep your eyes safe and healthy throughout summer, from soothing dryness to protecting against UV damage and infection.

1. Hydrate with Eye Drops

Soothe dry, uncomfortable eyes with hydrating over-the-counter drops, which act as a lubricant. These are particularly useful when travelling, especially during flights or in air-conditioned environments.

2. Always Wear Sunglasses with UV Protection

UV exposure can cause burns on the eye’s surface and contribute to serious eye conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. To protect your eyes:

• Choose sunglasses labelled ‘100% UV protection’ or ‘UV400’
• Spend a little more on high-quality lenses for better protection

Read more about how sunglasses can help prevent cataracts in our guide on whether wearing sunglasses can prevent cataracts.

3. Protect Against Sand and Grit

Sand can easily blow into your eyes at the beach and may scratch the surface, leading to irritation or infection. Take a small bottle of sterile eye solution in your travel first aid kit and avoid using tap or salt water to rinse your eyes.

4. Avoid Wearing Contact Lenses in Water

Swimming with contact lenses increases your risk of serious infections. Parasites such as Acanthamoeba, found in pools, hot tubs and the sea, can infect the cornea and thrive on contact lenses. If possible, go without your lenses or wear prescription goggles instead. Always seek medical attention quickly if you experience discomfort.

The Long-Term Risk of UV Damage

Sun damage doesn’t just cause discomfort in the moment – it can have lasting effects on your vision, too. Extended exposure to ultraviolet rays has been linked to more serious eye conditions that may develop over time.

Dr Hamid explains: “Most people are aware of the damage that UV radiation can cause to the skin. However, over-exposure to UV radiation is one of the risk factors associated with eye conditions such as cataract, corneal problems and even macular degeneration. So it’s really important to protect your eyes too.”

What to Pack: A Holiday Eye Health Checklist

If you’re heading away this summer, a little planning can go a long way in protecting your eye health. Packing a few essential items will help you stay prepared for common irritants like strong sun, dry air, or sandy beaches. Add Dr Hamid’s summer essentials to your suitcase to keep your eyes comfortable and protected while you travel.

• Good quality UV400 sunglasses
• Wide-brimmed sun hat
• Sterile eye solution to bathe sandy eyes
• Eye drops to combat dry conditions on the plane or in air-con
• Prescription goggles for swimming

Your eyes deserve the same care and protection as your skin during summer. With a few simple habits and the right essentials, you can enjoy a safe, comfortable season whether you’re at home or abroad.

Explore more expert insights from Optegra’s consultants and take steps today to protect your long-term vision health.