10 Tips to Keep Your Eyes Healthy This Summer

Asante shares ways to protect your eyes.

Couples wearing sunglasses at the beach on a sunny day.

Asante Editorial Team

For most of us, summer protection means sunscreen and bug spray. But don’t forget your eyes! Asante Physician Partners has ten tips for keeping your peepers healthy this summer and beyond.

Get the right UV protection. Not all sunglasses are engineered with 100 percent UV protection to block harmful ultraviolet rays. Be sure to choose sunglasses that are labeled as offering 100 percent UV protection. Most designer brands such as Ray-Ban, Prada, and Oakley offer UV protection as standard.
Wear sunglasses in cloudy weather. UV rays can penetrate even through cloud-covered skies.
Cover your entire eye. Skimpy lenses mean skimpy protection. Choose larger lenses or wrap-around styles for maximum coverage.
Wear polarized lenses to reduce glare. These are especially helpful for water activities such as boating and fishing, as well as driving in intense sunshine.
Consider photochromic (transition) lenses, which turn darker when exposed to UV light. These are especially helpful for people who wear prescription glasses and don’t want to switch between regular glasses and sunglasses.
Buy prescription sunglasses. If you don’t want to wear photochromic lenses but you still need vision correction, choose a pair of prescription sunglasses from your optometrist’s office. Your vision will be clear and protected throughout the summer.
Clean your sunglasses. Smudges and scratches can affect your vision clarity, causing eye strain. Instead of tossing your glasses in a bag or glove compartment where they’ll get scratched, keep them in a carrying case and wipe the lenses daily with a soft cloth.
Keep a spare. Or two, or three. It’s a good idea to keep a pair of sunglasses handy in your car or purse plus a spare pair stored safely at home in case you lose one. That way, you’ll never be caught in the glaring sun unprotected.
Drink plenty of water! Staying hydrated with two liters of water a day (or more if you’re exercising) will prevent your eyes from getting dry, itchy, or tired.
Avoid midday sun. If possible, try avoiding the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. when UV rays are strongest. If you need to venture out, wear a hat in addition to your sunglasses for extra protection.