Summertime can bring on a number of eye conditions because of the continual exposure of your eyes to heat, dust, dry air, and smoke. For this reason, it’s essential to protect your eyes against summertime air pollution.

Pollens, danders, chemicals (sulfates and nitrates) from factories and automobile emissions, particulate matter known as PPM, and dust are all examples of air pollutants.

These air pollutants aggravate allergy illnesses including rhinitis and asthma by impairing the respiratory system. In the eyes, they may result in the following issues:

• Irritation and dryness in eyes
• Allergic conjunctivitis in both adults and children
• Infection in eyes and eyelids
• In severe cases, vision impairment due to UV damage to the retina

Advice about eye care

Put on protective eyewear: When you walk outside, put on quality UV-blocking glasses to protect your eyes from UVA and UVB radiation as well as dangerous contaminants.

Maintain eye hygiene: Avoid getting your hands in your eyes while you’re not washing them. Summertime brings an increased risk of bacterial illnesses. A considerable deal of eye infection can be avoided with this easy procedure.

Stay hydrated: Dehydrated eyes in the summer exacerbate dryness and irritation since a dehydrated body causes them.

When the sun is at its strongest, stay inside.

When walking outside in the intense heat, cover your head with a damp towel or use a hat.

Wear eye protection: When working, wear wrap-around glasses or protective eye shields. This is especially important for field laborers and construction workers who operate in highly contaminated environments.

Refrain from spending too much time on screens: When using a phone or laptop, take even breaks and observe the 20-20-20 rule: To lessen eye strain, turn your gaze away from the computer after 20 minutes and stare at something at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

Apply nonprescription lubricating eye drops: You can use any lubricating eye drop to keep your eyes moisturised, or you can rinse your eyes with cold water when you get home.

Use caution when applying makeup: Never use makeup that has expired. Cosmetics can obstruct the glands found in the eyelids, therefore avoid applying them too close to the edge of the eyes. Makeup should always be taken off at night. Wearing makeup while you sleep raises the risk of an eye infection.

Take care when using air conditioners: Avoid stepping outside into extremely hot conditions and then entering a sudden, cold environment. To prevent your eyes from being exposed to dry, chilly air all the time at work, keep the air conditioning away from your face and use a humidifier.

If you have any kind of eye disease, don’t wait for it to grow worse. For the appropriate course of action, contact your ophthalmologist right away.