During the summer months, we often see people returning from their holidays with avoidable eye problems. Below are some tips on how to protect your eyes:
Over exposure to the sun can cause photo-keratitis ‘sunburn of the cornea’, red, painful, dry eyes. Staring at the sun can cause heat damage to the photosensitive retina at the back of the eye leading to blind spots in the vision and longer-term over exposure can cause macular degeneration, cataracts and fibrous tissue growth on the eye ball.
- Always wear good quality sunglasses that block 100 per cent of UV rays and carry the CE mark and wear a wide brimmed hat.
- If you are prone to dry eyes ensure you have a plentiful supply of unpreserved lubricants.
- If you require medication for any known eye conditions ensure you have a plentiful supply.
- If you have had a recent eye operation it is important to consult your ophthalmologist as to whether it is safe to travel.
- If you suffer from severe pain, visual loss, or a sudden onset of new floaters you must seek urgent ophthalmological attention wherever you are.
Additional Advice for Contact Lens Wearers
- Make sure you pack your spectacles as well as an adequate supply of contact lenses and cleansing solution so you don’t run out and don’t change your hygiene regime.
- Don’t wear your contact lenses on the aeroplane because they will dry out.
- If your contact lenses do become dry and sticky so that they bind to your eye then instil a few drops of unpreserved lubricants and WAIT for them to mobilise so that they can be removed safely. This can take several minutes and may require several drops.
- Don’t swim or shower or go in hot tubs wearing contact lenses as this can greatly increase the risk of corneal infection. Ready-made prescription goggles can be purchased from us for £50.00!
- If you must wear contact lenses for water sports, then tight fitting goggles should be worn over the top and the contact lenses should be removed afterwards when they are moving freely. The lenses should then be discarded if they are disposable or thoroughly cleaned and disinfected if they are not.
- Don’t over-wear your contact lenses. Stick to the usual recommended wearing time and cease wear if you have any redness, discomfort or blurring.
- For further details on contact lens handling and maintenance click here, and for do’s and dont’s click here.
- If in doubt take them out!
Wishing you safe and happy holidays.
