Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Hudson Optometric Centre

5854 Darrow Rd.

Hudson, OH 44236 US

330-650-2220

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • New Patient Center
    • Payment Options
    • Online Forms
  • Eyecare Services
    • Eye & Vision Exams
    • Contact Lens Exams
    • Hard to Fit Contacts
    • Lasik Eye Surgery
    • Computer Vision
    • Sports Vision
    • Sunglasses
  • Frame Selection
  • About Us
    • Meet the Optometrist
    • Meet the Staff
  • Contact Us
  • Community Content
    • Eyeglasses
    • Basic Visual Skills
    • All About Eyes
    • Protecting Your Eyes
    • Visual Rehabilitation
    • Pediatric Vision Issues
    • Glasses
    • Contact Lenses
    • Common Eye Conditions
      • Vision Impairment
      • Eye Lids
      • Changes in Appearance
      • Injury & Irritation
      • Age-Related
      • Cognitive and Acquired
    • Vision Problems
    • Eye Symptoms
    • Eye Diseases
    • A Child's Vision
    • What is Vision Therapy
    • Vision Therapy Programs
    • We Can Help With
      • Cataracts
      • Corneal Disorders
        • Disorders
      • Glaucoma
      • Refractive Disorders
      • Adult Strabismus
      • Retinal Disorders
    • Newsletters
      • Glasses & Frames
      • Contacts
      • Tips for Healthy Eyes
      • Conditions That Affect Vision
      • Kid's Vision
      • Amazing, Interesting Eyes
      • Medical Perspectives
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletters >
  • How to Avoid Sunburned Eyes

How to Avoid Sunburned Eyes

  • Created in Newsletters

Woman wearing sunglasses

Ways to Get Your Eyes Summer Ready

You may be ready for the summer, but are your eyes? Taking a few steps to protect your eyes can help you avoid painful injuries or conditions that may affect your vision. These four tips can improve your eye safety this summer.

Wear Sunglasses

Sunglasses aren't just accessories, they prevent your eyes from the damaging effects of ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Exposure to UVA and UVB light increases your risk of macular degeneration, cataracts, and skin cancer around the eyelids, according to Prevent Blindness. Sun exposure may also include the likelihood of pterygium, a growth on your eye that can interfere with vision or might cause photokeratitis.

Photokeratitis occurs when your cornea or conjunctiva become sunburned. The cornea is the clear layer of cells that cover your iris and pupil, while the conjunctiva is found on the whites of your eyes and inside your eyelids.

You're more likely to develop photokeratitis if you spend time in the water or on the sand and don't wear sunglasses. Symptoms of the condition include redness, tearing, pain, headache, and sensitivity to bright light. You may also notice that your vision looks blurry or it feels as if something is stuck in your eyes.

Photokeratitis symptoms usually improve in a few days. If your condition doesn't get better or you have severe pain or loss of vision, call the optometrist.

Some sunglasses offer more protection than others. Look for glasses that:

  • Fully Block Ultraviolet Rays. Sunglasses that block 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays provide the ultimate protection from the damaging effects of ultraviolet light.
  • Offer Complete Protection: Light still enters your eyes from the sides, tops, and bottoms of your frames when you wear standard sunglasses. Wraparound styles completely prevent UV light from reaching your eyes. The glasses also keep wind or debris from irritating, drying, or injuring your eyes.
  • Fit Well. You probably won't wear your sunglasses consistently if they're too tight or slip down your nose. Try on several pairs before you make a decision. A good fit is particularly important for kids. If the sunglasses are comfortable, your kids are much more likely to wear them all day.
  • Help You See Better. All About Vision notes that gray lenses reduce brightness but don't affect normal color perception, while brown, copper, or dark amber lenses improve contrast and visual sharpness while also blocking blue light. Green lenses are helpful in improving contrast without affecting color. Prescription sunglasses are a good idea if you normally wear glasses.

Wear Goggles in the Water

Water in the eye is an unavoidable hazard of water activities and sports. If you're splashing around in the pool, you're bound to get a little water in your face.

Chlorine or salt in water can be very irritating to your eyes. Putting on goggles every time you take a dip will help you avoid red, uncomfortable eyes.

Use Eye Protection

Wearing safety glasses or goggles when you complete home improvement projects such as mowing your lawn or working with chemicals protect your eyes from devastating injuries. If you forget to put on eye protection, a tiny piece of wood can pierce your eye when you build your new deck, or chemicals may burn your cornea.

Don't Wear Your Contact Lenses in the Water

Contact lenses may swell, stick to your eyes or change shape if worn while you swim, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These changes make it easier for your eyes to become scratched. If this happens, bacteria or amoeba in the water can enter your eyes through the scratches, causing infections that could jeopardize your vision.

Safeguard your vision by wearing eye protection and visiting the optometrist for annual vision checkups.

Sources:

Prevent Blindness: How Can UV Rays Damage Your Eyes?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Water and Contact Lenses

American Academy of Ophthalmology: 5 Ways to Get Your Eyes Summer-Ready, 4/28/17

Cleveland Clinic: How to Choose the Best Sunglasses for Your Eye Health, 6/19/19

American Academy of Ophthalmology: What Is Photokeratitis – Including Snow Blindness?, 1/13/20

  • Eyeglasses
  • Basic Visual Skills
  • All About Eyes
  • Protecting Your Eyes
  • Visual Rehabilitation
  • Pediatric Vision Issues
  • Glasses
  • Contact Lenses
  • Common Eye Conditions
    • Vision Impairment
    • Eye Lids
    • Changes in Appearance
    • Injury & Irritation
    • Age-Related
    • Cognitive and Acquired
  • Vision Problems
  • Eye Symptoms
  • Eye Diseases
  • A Child's Vision
  • What is Vision Therapy
  • Vision Therapy Programs
  • We Can Help With
    • Cataracts
    • Corneal Disorders
      • Disorders
    • Glaucoma
    • Refractive Disorders
    • Adult Strabismus
    • Retinal Disorders
  • Newsletters
    • Glasses & Frames
    • Contacts
    • Tips for Healthy Eyes
    • Conditions That Affect Vision
    • Kid's Vision
    • Amazing, Interesting Eyes
    • Medical Perspectives

Take 20% OFF lenses when purchasing a complete pair of glasses!

Featured Links

Click to find out more

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients/ learn more about all the services we provide.

    Learn More
  • Call For An Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!

    330-650-2220
  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.

    View Forms

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

9:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

Closed

Closed

Thursday:

9:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-6:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-3:00 pm

Saturday:

9:00 am-1:00 pm

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonials

Reviews From Our Satisfied Patients

  • "Best eye doctor you can go to in this area. He has been working with me and my family for a number of years and is an excellent doctor. His staff is wonderful as well. If they don't have what you want they do their best to make sure they can get it, if it is possible for them to do so. We will be seeing Dr.Martin as long as we can."
    Michael R. Hudson, OH
  • "Friendly staff and doctor. Great selection of eye wear and they play good music, too."
    Jinger Moore
  • "BOTH doctors are fantastic people as well as being very thorough and knowledgable."
    Adrien Whitmore

Featured Articles

Read up on informative topics

  • How Sleep Can Affect Your Vision

    Do you have trouble sleeping? Sleep problems may increase your risk of eye diseases and conditions. ...

    Read More
  • The Effects of Smoking on Your Eye Health

    Do you know how smoking can harm your eyes? ...

    Read More
  • Getting Your Child Accustomed to New Glasses

    Is your child struggling to adjust to new glasses? Try a few of these tips. ...

    Read More
  • Daily Habits That May Be Harming Your Eye Health

    Could any of these habits be hurting your eyes? ...

    Read More
  • Cold Weather and Your Eyes

    Are your eyes dry and uncomfortable? The cold weather may be to blame. ...

    Read More
  • The Challenges of Night Driving and Your Vision

    Do you dread driving at night? Trying a few of these tips may make night driving less stressful. ...

    Read More
  • Diagnosing and Using Vision Technology to Help Low Vision

    Are you familiar with the symptoms of low vision? ...

    Read More
  • Are Your Eye Problems Genetic?

    Have you been wondering if your eye problems are genetic? ...

    Read More
  • Common Eye Care Myths

    Do carrots improve your vision? Will sitting too close to the TV damage your eyes? ...

    Read More
  • Common Ocular Emergencies

    Do you know when you should visit the eye doctor if you have eye pain? ...

    Read More

Newsletter Signup

Sign up for more articles

Social Media

  • Copyright © 2020 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map