Summer Eye Safety: Protecting Your Vision Under the Bright Michigan Sun

Michigan summers bring longer days, outdoor recreation, and plenty of time near the water. While sunlight supports an active lifestyle, extended exposure can also affect your eyes. Practicing summer eye safety can help protect your vision while you enjoy boating, hiking, sports, gardening, and other seasonal activities.

Wear Sunglasses With Proper UV Protection

Not all sunglasses provide the same level of protection. Dark lenses may reduce brightness, but they do not automatically block ultraviolet radiation. Look for sunglasses labeled as blocking 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.

Wraparound frames can provide additional coverage by limiting sunlight that reaches the eyes from the sides. Polarized lenses may also reduce glare reflected from water, pavement, and vehicle surfaces, making them useful for driving and outdoor activities throughout Michigan.

Prescription sunglasses are available for patients who need clear distance vision while outdoors. At Great Lakes Optometry, we can help you explore prescription and non-prescription options that combine UV protection, comfort, and clear vision.

Protect Your Eyes During Outdoor Activities

Summer activities can expose your eyes to more than sunlight. Wind, sand, water, branches, chemicals, and sports equipment may all cause irritation or injury.

Simple ways to protect your eyes include:

•          Wear protective eyewear when playing sports, doing yardwork, or completing home projects

•          Use swim goggles in pools, lakes, and other bodies of water

•          Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes with sandy or dirty hands

•          Wear a wide-brimmed hat for added shade

•          Keep sunscreen and insect repellent away from the eyes

•          Never look directly at the sun, even while wearing sunglasses

Protective eyewear should fit securely and be appropriate for the activity. Regular sunglasses are not a substitute for safety glasses or sports goggles when there is a risk of impact.

Use Contact Lenses Carefully Around Water

Swimming while wearing contact lenses can allow microorganisms and debris to become trapped against the eye. This may increase the risk of irritation or infection. Whenever possible, remove contact lenses before swimming.

Patients who need clear vision in the water may benefit from prescription swim goggles. If contact lenses are exposed to pool, lake, or hot tub water, remove them as soon as possible and follow your eye doctor’s instructions for cleaning or replacement.

Watch for Signs of an Eye Problem

Redness, burning, excessive tearing, light sensitivity, or a gritty sensation may develop after spending time outdoors. Mild symptoms can sometimes improve after leaving the irritating environment, but persistent discomfort should not be ignored.

Seek prompt eye care for sudden vision changes, severe pain, chemical exposure, an object stuck in the eye, flashes of light, or new floaters. We provide comprehensive eye exams and eye disease diagnosis and management to help identify concerns that may affect your vision.

Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Great Lakes Optometry to protect your vision and keep your eyes healthy throughout every season. Contact our office in Sault Ste. Marie, MI, by calling (906) 635-9600 to book an appointment.