Summertime often brings beach vacations, mountain hikes, or simply weekends by the pool to escape the heat. With longer days and increased sunshine, people are frequently reminded to shield their skin from harmful UV rays. However, the high temperatures and extended outdoor time can also impact your eyes—something many tend to overlook.
Elvia Canseco, MD of Canseco Eye in Houston highlights that summer temperatures can soar into the triple digits for several weeks in her area. “During these hot months, a person’s eyes can be impacted by increased outdoor exposure,” she stated. (Here’s what your eyes can reveal about your health.)
Extended sun exposure, windy beaches, allergens, and even chlorine from swimming pools can all irritate the eyes. Summer can induce symptoms such as blurred vision, light sensitivity, and itchy eyes, making outdoor activities less enjoyable. Canseco outlines some of the risks your eyes may face during summer and offers advice on maintaining eye health.
Protect your eyes from summer sun and heat
The bright summer sun can harm not just your skin but your eyes too. “Light sensitivity or corneal sunburn can result from sun exposure and/or the reflection of sunlight off light beach sand or water,” Canseco explained. She recommends wearing sunglasses whenever outside to protect your eyes from UV radiation, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are at their peak. It’s not necessary to spend a fortune on designer sunglasses, but ensure the lenses are labeled for UVA and UVB protection.
As the planet continues to warm, leading to some of the hottest summers on record (per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association), monitoring the day’s heat index is crucial to avoid heat exhaustion. “Heat exhaustion or dehydration can occur in warm weather and often leads to blurred vision, along with other significant systemic symptoms that may require ER attention,” Canseco said. If you experience blurred vision alongside dizziness, muscle cramps, or nausea, it’s essential to hydrate and rest in the shade. Staying hydrated is one of the best prevention methods against heat exhaustion.
Protect your eyes from environmental irritants
A beach day can rejuvenate your mind, but don’t overlook the airborne hazards that could harm your eyes. More than just beach balls or frisbees (which can also cause injuries), “windy or sandy conditions during a pleasant beach day might cause corneal abrasions,” Canseco noted. “While rubbing your eyes may be a natural reaction, it can worsen the condition.” If you get sand or debris in your eyes, Canseco advises consulting your eye doctor to prevent complications.
Seasonal allergies can begin in spring and persist into the fall. Even if you don’t have known allergies, Canseco notes that environmental irritants can still affect your eyes. “Grass, pollen, and dust levels rise in summer months, and factors like smoke from outdoor BBQs and fireworks can also irritate the eyes during this period,” she stated. To alleviate symptoms like itchy or watery eyes, she suggests using artificial tears or antihistamines. For contact lens wearers, consider switching to daily lenses in the summer to minimize irritation.
If symptoms persist or you notice swelling or crusting around your eyelids, Canseco recommends consulting a doctor. “Demodex blepharitis, an overpopulation of microscopic mites, presents symptoms similar to other ocular conditions, like seasonal allergies,” she explained. This condition affects around 25 million people in the United States and requires professional medical treatment.
