Our top tips for summer eye health
Whilst proactive eye protection is crucial all year round, our tendency to spend more time out and about in summer means it’s particularly important this time of year.
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation may have a serious impact on your eyes – along with sunlight, chlorine and other factors common to summer activities.
At Ian Donald Optometrist, we’ve been caring for the Manly community for decades – and we encourage proactive eye care for children, adults and seniors. Here’s what you should know about summer eye health.
“UV damage to your eyes can happen even on cloudy days — protection is essential all year round.”
Understanding UV
UV and sunlight are not one and the same. As the Cancer Council explains, the sun produces three types of energy: visible light (which we see as sunlight), infrared radiation (the heat we feel) and UV radiation (which we can’t see or feel). Ultraviolet A (UVA) is a longer wavelength ray associated with skin ageing, while ultraviolet B (UVB) is responsible for skin burning.
UV is affected by altitude, location, cloud cover and other factors. It does not align with temperature, so while it tends to be higher in summer, it’s prevalent all year round.
It can be problematic even on overcast or cooler days, and there are other sources, such as solariums.
UV is not necessarily strongest when sunlight is strongest, so it’s important to check the UV index on weather reports or apps – and to take precautions every time you step outside.
UV and your eye health
Anyone spending long periods outdoors is at risk of UV damage. Potential effects include:
- Photokeratitis – An eye surface burn caused by UV reflections off water, sand, ice or snow; affects the cornea and conjunctiva (cell layer covering the whites of your eye) and may not be immediately noticeable. Symptoms include pain, red eyes, twitching, blurred vision, light sensitivity and headaches.
- Cataracts – UV radiation is a direct cause of cataracts, which may develop slowly over many years.
- Pterygium (also known as Surfer’s Eye) – a condition where tissue grows over the cornea affecting vision; UV exposure, particularly during childhood, is thought to be the main cause.
- Cancer – may develop on eyelids or even the surface of the eye.
Choosing the right sunglasses
For both adults and children, the best defence against UV damage is to wear a broad-brimmed hat and a good quality pair of sunglasses.
Sunglasses should block both UVA and UVB rays. Polarised lenses offer additional protection for light sensitivity and may be a good option for post-cataract surgery patients. Photochromic lenses adapt to changing light conditions and darken in sunlight. Or we might recommend wraparound styles for those who work outside or spend long periods of time outdoors.
At Ian Donald Optometrist, we have a full range of prescription and non-prescription sunglasses. Our range includes Tom Ford, Oakley, Maui Jim and Ray Ban prescription glasses for stylish, comfortable and premium eye protection.
“Sunglasses aren’t just a fashion accessory; they’re vital protection against cataracts, pterygium and long-term eye damage.”
Other tips for summer eye health
Sunglasses are the key part of summer eye protection, but there are other steps you can take to protect your family’s eyes:
- Keep an eye on the UV index and remember that you are also at risk on cloudy and cooler days
- Wear goggles while swimming to protect your eyes from chlorine
- Never look directly into the sun, as this can damage the retina
- Wear wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes from both sun and windy conditions, which may cause dry eye
- Keep dry eyes moist with optometrist recommended eye drops
- Give up smoking, a risk factor for cataracts, macular degeneration and other eye health issues
- Schedule regular eye examinations and an eye test for your children prior to starting school.
Summer eye health is important, so please contact us for your next appointment.
Meet the Author
Ian Donald
Optometrist
Ian Donald had a vision.
He was going to become a dentist. It seemed like a good plan, until his careers adviser gave him a brochure on optometry. It opened up a whole new world. The eye intrigued him. It fascinated him. Optometry captivated him. And so his whole focus changed.
Ian went on to do work experience in the very office he owns today. While studying Optometry at the prestigious UNSW, he spent hours working in that same office, doing all the things no one else wanted to do. Filing. Filing. Filing.
Learning, learning, learning. It’s part of who he is.
Even today he is constantly training and retraining, studying and staying up to date with the latest technology in eye health.
So what else energises Ian?
‘Riding my bike, being part of the community, and helping people see. It gives me the best feeling possible. We take it for granted, because we do it all day, every day. It’s such a gift to be able to give people peace of mind.’ Read More
FAQs
What are the risks to eye health during summer?
According to Ian Donald Optometry’s summer eye health guide, UV exposure can cause photokeratitis (sunburn of the eye), pterygium (Surfer’s Eye), cataracts, and even cancers on or around the eyes.
How can I protect my eyes from UV rays in summer?
You can reduce risk by wearing UV-protective sunglasses, using wraparound styles, wearing a broad-brimmed hat, and considering photochromic or prescription lenses.
Why should I check the UV index even on cloudy or cool days?
UV radiation dangers are present year-round, and harmful rays can penetrate clouds or reflect off water, sand, and concrete, making protection essential even when it doesn’t feel hot.
What additional steps should I take for my children’s summer eye health?
Children’s eyes are more vulnerable to UV damage, so they should wear protective sunglasses, avoid prolonged direct sun, and attend regular eye checks, especially before starting school.
What signs indicate I should get my eyes checked after summer exposure?
If you notice red, painful eyes, blurred vision, light sensitivity, or twitching after sun exposure, these may be symptoms of UV damage, and you should book an eye examination promptly.
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Shop 2, 37-39 The Corso,
Manly NSW 2095
Monday to Friday - 8.30am to 5.30pm
Saturday - 8.30am to 4.00pm
Ian Donald Optometrist is a private billing practice. Please contact reception for our consultation fee schedule. Medicare and private health insurance rebates apply.
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