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Don't Forget to Protect Your Eyes This Spring

Apr 06, 2023

Spring is in the Air

Springtime is amazing. It’s the most beautiful time of the year with warmer weather, blooming flowers, and longer daylight hours. However, as with any season, there are certain precautions that need to be taken to ensure that we protect our bodies and stay healthy. One crucial part of our body that requires special attention during the spring season is our eyes.

a meadow with flowers

Wear sunglasses

The spring season often comes with an increase in the intensity and duration of sunlight. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause damage to the eyes, increasing risk of cataracts and other eye conditions. Wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays is a crucial way to protect your eyes. When purchasing sunglasses, ensure that they fit well, and that they are labeled to block both UVA and UVB rays.



Protect your eyes from allergens

We love spring, but if you suffer from seasonal allergies, you likely dread the constant sneezing and painful, itchy eyes it brings. Allergens such as pollen, dust, and mold can cause eye irritation and even allergic conjunctivitis. Fortunately, wearing eyeglasses or sunglasses can help to protect your eyes from allergens. It’s pretty simple, actually. Wearing eye protection creates a barrier between your eyes and the pollen, which means that less of it actually enters your eyes. It’s a simple, yet effective method to mitigate your seasonal allergies.

sunglasses

Maintain proper eye hygiene

Proper eye hygiene is essential for healthy eyes, and it becomes even more crucial during the spring season. Whether it be due to bad habits or an effort to relieve allergy symptoms, it’s best to keep your hands away from your face as much as possible. Rubbing your eyes too intensely or regularly could even damage your cornea. Make sure to wash your hands regularly, and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes as much as possible. Additionally, clean your eyeglasses regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt and allergens, which can irritate your eyes.


Stay hydrated 

Dehydration can cause eye dryness and irritation, making them more susceptible to infections and other eye conditions. Drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help keep your eyes hydrated and healthy.

a glass of water

Quit smoking

Among other effects, smoking can cause damage to the eyes and increase risk of serious eye conditions that can lead to vision loss or blindness. Quitting smoking or avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke can help reduce this risk.


Take breaks from screens 

The spring season often comes with more outdoor activities, which can lead to less screen time. However, if you still spend a lot of time in front of a computer or other digital devices, taking breaks every 20 minutes to look away and focus on a distant object can help reduce eye strain and fatigue.

laptop

Use eye drops

If you suffer from dry eyes, using artificial tears or other lubricating eye drops can help keep your eyes moist and healthy. These eye drops can also help flush out any allergens or irritants that may be present in the eyes. That being said, we caution you to use preservative-free eye drops if you find yourself using them more than four times a day. Preservatives can irritate your eyes and leave them in worse shape than before.



Get regular eye exams

Regular eye exams are important for maintaining healthy eyes, as they can detect early signs of eye conditions that may not have symptoms. During an eye exam, we can also evaluate your vision and recommend any necessary changes to your eyeglass or contact lens prescription.


That’s where we’re here to help! Make sure that your eyes are safe and healthy so that you can enjoy the spring season to the fullest. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment!

a field of tulips
a flowering tree
washing hands
no smoking sign
man getting eye exam

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