A lot has changed for the summer of 2020, but Colorado optometrists want you to know that protecting your eyes is still important. Colorado’s sunlight is roughly 20% brighter than at sea level. Our sunlight is even more intense at the top of a mountain as there is less atmosphere at higher elevations to filter out UV rays. Don’t underestimate the power of the Colorado sun!

Colorado’s Optometrists Give You Eight Ways to Protect Your Eyes This Summer

1.     Wear UVA/UVB Blocking Sunglasses

Did you know your eyes can get sunburned? It’s true and it’s all too common in the bright Colorado sun. Grab a pair of 100% UVA/UVB blocking sunglasses to safeguard your eye health and wear them when outside. Pair your sunglasses with a fashionable hat for even more UV protection. Start your kids off right by protecting their eyes early on. Bonus, tiny sunglasses are cute!

2.     Wear Swim Goggles

Chlorine is rough on the eyes so be sure to protect them with swim goggles. Typically, chlorine exposure in a pool will dry out your eyes and make them temporarily red. However, conjunctivitis/pink eye is a common infection for swimmers as it spreads easily in the water. Make sure those goggles are sealed well!

3.     Wear a Hat

A hat is a great addition to sunglasses for increased eye protection. Wearing a hat will shade additional parts of the eyeball and skin around the eyes. It’s also a great runner up if you forget sunglasses as you’re headed out on the trail.

4.     Clean Hands Make Healthy Eyes

Yes, washing your hands and not touching your face is important for eye health. It’s even more essential during the pandemic to wash our hands, but it was also significant before COVID-19 to prevent the transmission of disease and illness that can enter through touching your eyes and face. Plus, washing your hands reduces your risk of contracting conjunctivitis/pink eye any time of year!

5.     Eye Protection for DIY Projects/Activities and Sports

Be sure to wear safety glasses for DIY projects and high-risk activities like sports or lighting fireworks. You only get two eyes and these high-risk moments can quickly go awry with an unexpected eye injury. Do you have protective glasses for yourself and each family member?

6.     Drink Plenty of Water

Dehydration is very common in the dry Colorado summers, but is easy to avoid. When you don’t drink enough water it begins to impact your body’s ability to create tears and then can cause vision issues. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Be sure you bring plenty of water for those outdoor activities!

7.     Get Sleep!

We all do better with a good night’s sleep and so do your eyes. When you don’t get enough sleep it impacts your visual acuity. Have you ever driven tired and then realized it wasn’t safe? That’s your eyes needing some rest. You may need to catch up on sleep or you might just need to rest your eyes for a while.

8.     Get Your Annual Comprehensive Eye Exam

Keep your eyes healthy with a comprehensive eye exam performed by your optometrist. An annual eye exam gives you a better look at your overall physical health. It will also allow for early detection of eye related diseases and non-eye related health issues. The Center for Disease Control states that, “Of the estimated 61 million US adults at high risk for vision loss, only half visited an eye doctor in the past 12 months. Regular eye care can have a life-changing impact on preserving the vision of millions of people.” Find a trusted Colorado optometrist today!