Although exposure to sunlight is necessary as a prime and excellent source for obtaining vitamin D, failure to follow precautionary measures during the summer period can lead to many risks, which may negatively affect eye health; Because spending a long time with direct exposure to the sun and summer heat accelerates the aging of the natural lens of the eye, and may increase the risk of many diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
With very high temperatures today, the eye is at risk of sunburn, or what is known as photosynthetic keratitis. Therefore, it is necessary to take all precautions when enjoying summer activities.
The consultant ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, Avinash Gurbcsani, offers six eye health advice during the summer.
1- Wear sunglasses with full protection from harmful UV rays; Increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation can damage the stain, which is located near the center of the retina and responsible for central and color vision.
2- The high temperatures outside and the dry winds laden with dust may lead to increased dry eyes, which worsens its symptoms with the increased use of conditioning during the summer period. So the best and best way to reduce dry eyes is the frequent use of artificial tears or eye drops to preserve the freshness of the eyes.
3- Drinking lots of water is absolutely essential to maintain the vital functions and processes of the body's organs and organs. And since a lot of fluid is lost during the summer period by sweating, it is very important to drink plenty of water to make up for this loss. Also, you should drink about two liters of water daily, especially when drinking diuretics, such as coffee. As dehydration is one of the main causes of eye irritation; So drinking water regularly helps keep the body hydrated significantly during the hot summer months.
4- When it comes to the problem of diabetic retinopathy, proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle are simply the main pillars of treatment. Foods rich in antioxidants are among the factors necessary to maintain the health of the eyes, such as: Vitamin C, lutein and zeaxanthin, which are abundant in oranges, berries and leafy vegetables, which can be easily integrated into your diet.
5- Swimming is one of the most popular sports during the summer, but the swimming pool water has great harm to the health of the eyes. Chlorine and saline solution, which is placed in swimming pools, may have a negative impact on the health of the eyes. Therefore, wearing swimming goggles is absolutely essential as the best way to protect your eyes from many diseases and infections.
6- One of the most important precautions to take when swimming is to remove contact lenses before swimming. Wearing it can cause many risks and negative effects, which threaten the health and safety of the eyes, such as ulcers and infections. Beach or pool water is home to many microbes, which can cause many infections.