Have you ever noticed how much your eyes seem to suffer during the summer months? The sun, heat, and additional outdoor time all can make them more susceptible to infection. Whether it's from chlorine in the pool, airborne dust, or just constant sunlight, summer can be tough on your eyes. The good news is, that with the right preventive measures and good hygiene practices, you can protect your eyes and avoid these infections.
Common Summer Eye Infections
Eye infections can be unpleasant, causing discomfort and long-term vision issues if not treated properly. Here are some common summer-eye infections:
1. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Conjunctivitis is an infection or inflammation of the thin layer of tissue covering the white part of the eye. It's one of the most prevalent summer eye infections, and it is caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergies. Getting pool water in the eyes or close contact with people who have conjunctivitis can cause the infection.
2. Styes
Styes are red, tender bumps that occur at the base of eyelashes or the eyelid because of infections of the oil glands with bacteria. Sweaty conditions during summer, as well as the use of cosmetics, may lead to blocked oil glands and make styes more common.
3. Corneal Infections
Summer sports, such as swimming in polluted water, particularly in lakes or outdoor swimming pools, may increase corneal infection risk. They can lead to pain, redness, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light.
4. Dry Eyes
The pairing of hot weather, air conditioning, and exposure to the wind can result in dry eyes, which are more susceptible to infection. Dry eyes may result in eye irritation, redness, and discomfort, and unchecked, can result in infection.
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Tips to Keep Your Eyes Infection-Free This Summer
To help you enjoy your summer activities without worrying about eye infections, here are some practical tips to protect your eyes:
1. Practice Proper Hygiene
One of the easiest ways to prevent eye infections is to keep your eyes clean and hygienic. Regularly wash your hands with soap and water before handling your eyes, especially if you have been in public places or handling surfaces that have been in contact with contaminated materials. Refrain from touching your eyes with unwashed hands, as it can cause bacterial and viral transfer to the eye.
2. Keep Your Eyes Clean and Dry
Excessive sweating in the summer can cause dirt and bacteria to accumulate around your eyes. It is important to gently wipe away sweat and debris from your eyes using a clean, soft tissue or cloth. After swimming, always rinse your eyes with fresh water to remove chemicals or bacteria from the pool.
3. Wear Sunglasses and Hats
UV radiation from the sun can harm your eyes, causing infections and even permanent vision impairments. Wear sunglasses that have UV protection to protect your eyes from dangerous rays at all times. A hat with a wide brim will also keep your eyes away from direct sunlight, lowering the risk of irritation or infection.
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4. Avoid Sharing Personal Items
Sharing personal belongings, such as towels, eye makeup, and contact lenses may spread the risk of eye infections. If you use contact lenses, ensure proper cleaning and avoidance of wearing them when swimming, particularly in lakes or pools, to keep bacteria from entering the eye.
5. Apply Artificial Tears for Dry Eyes
Summer sun and air conditioning can dehydrate your eyes, leading to irritation and an increased risk of infection. To prevent dry eyes, lubricate your eyes with lubricating eye drops or artificial tears to keep them moist. Also, avoid prolonged use of air conditioning and try regular breaks from screen viewing to prevent eye strain.
6. Swim with Care
Swimming is an enjoyable summer activity, but it can also put your eyes at risk for harmful bacteria. Chlorine pools don't infect as easily, but natural bodies of water like lakes and rivers may contain harmful microorganisms. Swim with protective glasses to prevent water from getting into your eyes. If you do get water in your eyes, rinse out your eyes immediately with clean water in an attempt to wash out any harmful substances.
7. Clean Your Eyewear Regularly
If you have glasses, ensure that you clean them frequently to avoid dirt, bacteria, and other impurities from being transferred to your eyes. Use a microfiber cloth and lens cleaner to wipe away smudges and dust. Do not touch your glasses with dirty hands to protect your eyes from infection.
8. Avoid Allergens
Summer is also the season for allergies, particularly those caused by pollen. Seasonal allergies cause swelling from dust and pollen that could raise your likelihood of contracting eye infections. Antihistamine eye drops help to cure it, and if possible, steer clear of heavily pollinated places, especially between early mornings and late afternoons.
9. Stay Hydrated
It is important to keep your eyes and body hydrated. Dry eyes may result from dehydration, which can cause infection. Keep yourself well-hydrated by drinking water throughout the day.
When to Seek Medical Help
If you notice symptoms like redness, pain, swelling, blurred vision, or too much tearing, it's necessary to consult a healthcare provider. Early treatment will help avoid spreading the infection or creating other problems.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]