Proper summer eye protection from solar radiation is extremely important. It is widely known how beneficial the sun can be for our body, but also how damaging it can be when there is overexposure without suitable protection. For our eyes, this protection comes from wearing sunglasses.
The right sunglasses are those that cover most of our field of vision, include filters that absorb radiation and have relatively dark lenses. We know that long-term exposure to the blue part of light can speed up the development of cataract and increase the likelihood of macular degeneration. It is therefore best to avoid blue tints in sunglasses lenses.
In addition, the skin of our eyelids needs sun protection just as much as the rest of our skin, since benign and even malignant lesions there are not rare. Most high-SPF sunscreens are well tolerated in this area, taking care, of course, that they do not get into the eye, as they can cause irritation.
Infection from swimming in pools or the sea
We need to be especially careful in the summer when swimming, mainly in pools but also, to a lesser extent, in seas that are not particularly clean. There is a risk of infection in both cases, most commonly keratitis and bacterial conjunctivitis. Keratitis is an infection of the cornea and is much more common in contact lens wearers. It usually affects one eye, which waters constantly, is red and cannot tolerate bright light (photophobia). Keratitis is considered a serious condition, as it can have permanent effects on vision.
It is treated with antibiotic eye drops, while good hygiene of the eyes and of contact lenses can significantly reduce the risk of such conditions. Bacterial conjunctivitis also causes redness of the eye, but instead of watering there is a lot of yellow-green discharge; it is also treated with antibiotic drops.
An important preventive measure is to use artificial tears after swimming. They reduce the effects of the dryness that is common in summer and also rinse chlorine, foreign bodies and anything else found in pools and the sea out of the eye. It goes without saying, therefore, that wearing contact lenses while swimming should be avoided.
Seasonal allergies
Seasonal allergies are very common in summer, especially allergic conjunctivitis. Symptoms usually appear immediately after contact with the allergen, although in some cases there may be a delayed reaction. The most common symptom is itching, accompanied by redness. There may also be mild pain and a foreign body sensation in the eye, which leads to watering, that is a continuous flow of tears from the eyes.
The condition is particularly easy to treat and rarely causes concern or problems as it progresses. There is a wide range of eye drops with an anti-allergic or anti-inflammatory action that treat the vast majority of cases very well. Cold compresses can also bring significant relief.
Questions about your case?
Dr. Skouteris will examine you at his practice in Neo Psychiko and explain your options.
Ophthalmic surgeon trained at the John Radcliffe University Hospital in Oxford and Fellow of the European Board of Ophthalmology (FEBO).
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