Summer is here, and with it comes joy; but it can also lead to health problems if the necessary precautions are not taken.Skin, kidneys, lack of sleep…many issues need extra attention this time of year, but eyes are often forgotten eyes.Risk factors are diverse and do not merely increase Sun radiation: Chlorine in swimming pools, salt in seawater, bacteria in rivers, sunscreen, wind and sand… But, with Notes and Tips So eye health doesn’t have to be an issue during the summer months.
In summer, our eyes are exposed to many sources of risk, not just the sun.In fact, the biggest problem is conjunctivitis and keratitis whether infectious or irritant source, and dry eye syndrome, known as dry eye, is a very common problem caused by different causes, usually involving changes in the base of the conjunctiva, the membrane that covers the eyelids and the white part of the eye (sclera) down to the cornea (the transparent tissue through which light passes). enters the eye, and is responsible for the brightness of our eyes). “There may also be eye problems related to harmful solar radiation, which can lead to retinal abnormalities, but in this case, this is very rare,” he explained. Jose Francisco Acebes ExecutionerHead of the Ophthalmology Service at the General University Hospital of Villalba, integrated into the Madrid Public Health Network (Sermas).
In summer, conjunctivitis is commonplace.One of the most common ways to catch the disease is by swimming pool, which is the cause of irritant conjunctivitis caused by chemicals added to the water, such as chlorine.in the case of beach and sea, we also face these conjunctivitis due to high concentration of salt. However, seawater can also cause bacterial conjunctivitis due to the presence of bacteria in seawater, which can also happen if we bathe in freshwater. river or swamp.
Be careful with contact lenses
Another eye disease that is common in summer is Keratitis, which is a known way of corneal inflammation. Keratitis can be caused by an infection (especially serious) or another condition, such as the dry eye itself we discussed above. These keratitis require special attention in the contact lens user population.In the case of infectious keratitis, the main cause is bacteriaIn many cases, they are fitted in contact lenses and their cases if there is insufficient sanitation or excessive contact lens use.This is why it is necessary to delete contact lenses when we go to the shower
Viruses such as herpes (herpes simplex or shingles) can also cause keratitis, which may even be complicated by the presence of bacteria such as staph, strep, and pseudomonas.All of these microorganisms are common in oceans, rivers and lakes, although normal exposure to them does not cause Keratitis. This usually requires an injury to the eye, possibly from a scratch or injury to the cornea, such as beach sand getting into the eye can cause this.
“The best protection is to use the Swimming Goggles“Don’t wear contact lenses in the shower, drip some artificial tears when you get out of the water”, explains the doctor at the Villabino Hospital, who insists on the importance of caring for contact lenses, especially in summer. “Never shower with your contact lenses on.That’s the first thing. Also, do not wash in tap water, observe the recommended use time, and do not use beyond the stated date. “
Symptoms of conjunctivitis and keratitis
Key symptoms of eye problems, such as keratitis or conjunctivitis yes red eyes, Eye pain, excessive tearing or other discharge from the eye, and difficulty opening the eyelids due to pain or irritation. In addition, if we have symptoms such as blurred vision, decreased vision, sensitivity to light, or foreign body sensation in the eyes, we should consult an ophthalmologist as soon as possible because there are problems with the eyes. It’s easy to fix if stopped in time, but if left untreated, it can complicate and in some cases even lead to blindness.
The importance of sunglasses
In addition to the risks associated with bathing, increased sun exposure in summer can also affect our eyes. UV radiation is one of the biggest risks to our eye health, so it’s important to know how to choose quality sunglasses, as the wrong purchase can even be dangerous. “Importantly, they have filters that protect against UV radiation. There may be dark glasses that block light, but do not filter radiation. In this case, the pupil dilates because less light passes through, but more harmful radiation reaches the eye, thus causing more damage than without glasses. ’ explained Dr. Acebes.
These risks are greater not only because of greater solar radiation in summer, but also because of the longer hours of sun exposure and the more time we spend outdoors. Therefore, choosing the right sunglasses is crucial, and we also take into account the smallest of the house.for childrenMany times, we choose poor quality glasses or toy glasses because they are dark in color, so they dilate the pupils and do more damage than not wearing them. The Head of the Ophthalmology Department of the General University Hospital of Villalba emphasized the need to be fully aware that the lenses are of good quality and have UV radiation filters.
There are several best allies in protecting the health of our eyes. Physiological serum can be used to prepare eyewash. Dr. Acebes also recommends carrying “Different concentrations of sodium hyaluronate artificial tears And as paraben-free as possible”. Swimming goggles are also a must-have ally for any bathing choice, as are sunglasses with UV filters when we’re out and about. And, for prevention, there are always helpful things to do: “Mediterranean Diet Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Antioxidants”.