From family vacations and summer camps to weekends at Percy Priest Lake and outdoor festivals across Middle Tennessee, summer is a busy time for many Nashville families. While sunscreen and hydration often top the summer checklist, eye health can sometimes be overlooked. A few simple summer eye health tips can help protect your family’s vision throughout the season.
Don’t Assume All Sunglasses Provide the Same Protection
Sunglasses are more than just a style choice; they play an important role in protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays that can lead to long-term damage. UV exposure is cumulative over your lifetime, meaning the effects add up over time.
As an optometrist, I often remind patients how too much sun exposure can increase the risk of conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, skin cancer around the eyes and the worst case being an ocular melanoma which is a tumor in the back of the eye. That’s why wearing proper eye protection is so important.
Many people choose sunglasses based on style or how dark the lenses appear. However, families may not realize that darker lenses alone do not automatically mean greater protection.
When selecting sunglasses, look for lenses labeled UV400 or 100% UV protection to help block harmful UV rays. A good rule is to look for sunglasses made from Polycarbonate lenses vs Plastic because Polycarbonate lenses filter out 100% of UVA and UAB rays; whereas Plastic lenses only filter out about 88% of the harmful rays. Children should also wear sunglasses when spending extended periods outdoors. A hat and time in shaded areas during peak sun hours can also help protect their eyes.
Getting Ready for Summer Travel and Outdoor Fun
Travel can disrupt your routine, including how you care for your eyes. Taking a few simple steps before you leave can help you stay consistent with your eye health while you’re away.
Before leaving, consider packing:
- A backup pair of glasses, if you wear prescription lenses
- Contact lens supplies, if needed
- Lubricating eye drops, if recommended by your doctor
- Sunglasses for adults and children
- A sturdy glasses case to protect your frames in large bags like checked luggage or beach totes
- A copy of your prescription, if available, in case your glasses get lost or damaged
Preparing in advance helps ensure you can maintain healthy vision habits for your family and can help avoid inconvenience when traveling.
Be Mindful Around Pools and Water Activities
Whether it’s spending time at Percy Priest Lake, cooling off at the pool, or enjoying outdoor activities throughout Nashville, water and sun exposure are often part of summer fun and can create important considerations for eye health.
Water exposure, especially when wearing contact lenses, can increase the risk of irritation and infection.
Chlorine, salt water, sand, and other environmental factors can also contribute to irritation and discomfort. If you wear contacts, consider talking with your eye doctor about best practices before spending extended time in the water.
Protective eyewear or goggles can also help reduce exposure and keep your eyes protected during water activities and sports.
Summer Schedules Can Mean More Screen Time, Too
Although school is out, many children continue spending time on tablets, phones, and gaming systems during summer break.
Increased screen use can lead to symptoms like dry eyes, headaches, and blurred vision. Encouraging regular breaks from screens and creating opportunities for outdoor activity and balance throughout the day can help support healthier visual habits for kids throughout the summer.
Don’t Forget Routine Eye Care
Many people think of eye exams only when vision noticeably changes, but routine exams can play an important role in monitoring eye health over time and catching potential issues early.
Summer is also a convenient time for families to schedule appointments before fall schedules become busy again.
A few simple steps now can support comfort and clear vision throughout the months ahead.
Dr. Michael Lopykinski is an optometrist with Visionworks serving the Nashville community. Families looking for additional information about eye health and annual eye exams can visit Visionworks.com.
Information received through Visionworks channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
