11 Tips to Keep Your Eyes Safe During Surrey’s Summer Events Season
Summer in Surrey is a time for vibrant festivals, outdoor activities, and soaking up the sun. Whether you’re enjoying the Surrey Fusion Festival, experiencing the cultural diversity at local events, or exploring the Cloverdale Rodeo, it’s essential to protect your eyes during these sunny days. As you spend more time outdoors, remember the importance of summer eye protection to prevent sun damage and safeguard your eyes against ultraviolet radiation. Here are some valuable tips from Look Optometry to keep your eyes safe and healthy this summer.
1. Wear Sunglasses with Full UV Protection
UV protection is crucial for your eyes during the summer. UV rays from the sun can cause significant damage, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and even temporary vision loss. Ensure that your UV sunglasses offer 100% protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for labels indicating full UV protection. Polarized lenses can also help reduce glare from highly reflective surfaces like water and pavement, providing extra comfort and protection.
2. Use a Wide Brimmed Hat or Cap
Pair your sunglasses with a wide-brimmed hat for enhanced sun protection to further shield your eyes from the sun. A broad-brimmed hat can block up to 50% of UV rays, reducing the amount of UV exposure to your eyes and face. This is especially useful during prolonged exposure to sunlight, such as attending the Surrey Fusion Festival or the Cloverdale Rodeo.
3. Seek Shade When Possible
When enjoying outdoor events, make it a habit to seek shade periodically. This reduces direct UV exposure and helps prevent eye strain and fatigue. Trees, umbrellas, and canopies can provide much-needed relief from the sun.
4. Wear Protective Eyewear During Sports and Activities
Whether you’re participating in sports at local parks or doing a home improvement project, it is essential to wear eye protection. Protective eyewear, such as safety glasses or goggles, can shield your eyes from flying debris, UV rays, and potential injuries. For swimming, use prescription goggles to protect your eyes from chlorine and other irritants in the pool.
5. Stay Hydrated and Use Artificial Tears
The summer heat can lead to dehydration, affecting your overall eye health. It is important to use products suitable for sensitive skin around the eyes to prevent irritation and potential eye issues. Drink plenty of water to keep your eyes moist and comfortable. If you experience dry or irritated eyes, use artificial tears to lubricate them. This helps maintain a healthy tear film on the surface of your eyes, preventing discomfort and blurred vision.
6. Be Cautious with Contact Lenses
If you wear contact lenses, choose those with UV protection. However, contacts alone are not enough; always pair them with UV-blocking sunglasses for full protection. Ensure your hands are clean when handling contact lenses to avoid infections like pink eye.
7. Wear Swim Goggles in Pools and Oceans
Swimming pools and oceans can harbour bacteria and other irritants. Wearing swim goggles can prevent swimmer’s eye, an irritation caused by prolonged exposure to chlorinated or salty water. Prescription swim goggles are available for those who need vision correction while swimming.
8. Eat Eye Healthy Foods
Add foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants to your diet to support eye health. Leafy greens, sweet potatoes and foods high in vitamin E can protect your eyes from UV damage and summer related issues.
9. Use Eye Drops for Allergies
Summer can worsen allergies and give you watery, itchy eyes. Over the counter or prescription eye drops can help with these symptoms and keep your eyes comfortable and clear during outdoor activities.
10. Take a Break
Sunlight can cause eye strain. Take regular breaks from direct sunlight to give your eyes a rest. Especially during events where you’ll be outside for hours.
11. Get an Eye Exam
Regular eye exams are a must for good eye health. Visit Look Optometry to have your eyes checked and get personalized advice on eye protection based on your lifestyle and activities.
Surrey Summer Events
With these tips in mind, you can safely enjoy all that Surrey has to offer this summer. Here are some of the exciting events you won’t want to miss:
- Surrey Fusion Festival: Experience the cultural diversity of Surrey with over 50 cultural pavilions, live music, and delicious international food on July 20-21 at Holland Park.
- Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair: Enjoy rodeo competitions, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities that showcase Surrey’s community spirit.
- Surrey Greek Food Festival: Happening in August, this festival offers a taste of Greek culture with authentic food, music, and dance performances.
By following these eye care tips and being proactive about your eye health, you can fully enjoy the vibrant summer events in Surrey without compromising your vision. Visit Look Optometry for more advice and to ensure your eyes are protected all year round. Happy summer!