Summer Eye Care Dos and Do Nots!

Summer is finally here, and that means it’s time for some fun i the sun! Whether you’re camping in beautiful Minnesota, gathering around a campfire with loved ones, doing yardwork, or enjoying various outdoor activities, it’s important to keep your eyes healthy and safe during these summer months. Here are some dos and don’ts to ensure your eyes are well taken care of:

• Sunglasses: You knew we were going to say it! Do wear sunglasses! UV can damage your eyes and the best way to protect them while out in the sun is Sunglasses and Prescription Sunglasses for those people that don’t wear contact lenses. You’ll want a solid pair of sunglasses that blocks 100% of UVA and UVB rays and if you want to get technical, UV wavelengths up to 400 nanometers. Not all sunglasses are the same and the tint of the sunglasses really doesn’t matter as UV protection is a clear film applied to the lenses. If you’re stuck between the cute pair of sunglasses and UV protection pair of sunglasses at the store, always choose your lifelong vision over the pair that looks cool. If you want help selecting a pair of prescription or nonprescription sunglasses, stop in at Relf Optical. 
• Campfires: Keep your eyes away from smoke by sitting upwind of the fire. Watch out for sparks that can fly out of the firepit and please remember to wear safety glasses when chopping wood with chainsaws, axes, or simply gathering sticks and firewood.
• Bug Spray and Sunscreen: Sprays and even lotion that enter the eye from sweat can be very irritating. Do not spray towards your face and watch for others around you when applying. If some does get in your eyes, rinse with water immediately. DO NOT RUB!!!
• Mowing & trimming the grass: We have all had debris hit us from a mower or weed whip in the shin. Your eyes wouldn’t fare so well. Protect your eyes with goggles or a hard hat with a shield whenever working in the yard. 
• Swimming: It’s always a good idea to protect your eyes while swimming by wearing goggles. Many types of bacteria live in swimming pools and lakes! To prevent bringing any of them home with you, make sure you remove your contact lenses before going in and do your best to keep the water out of your eyes. 
• Fireworks: Boom! Watch out for pieces of fireworks that fall from the sky when attending events around the community or at home. There can also be projectiles and sparks from sparklers or other types. Wear safety glasses and maintain a good distance.

In case you encounter any eye problems, don’t hesitate to reach out to your eye doctor right away. They can provide recommendations for quick relief and assess your condition to determine the appropriate treatment. If your eye doctor is unavailable after regular hours or on weekends, you can contact our emergency eye care line at 218.720.3553. We’ll be more than happy to assist you in planning the best course of action.

Remember, taking care of your eyes is essential, especially during the summer months when outdoor activities are at their peak. So, follow these tips, enjoy your summer adventures, and keep those precious eyes healthy and safe!