When the temperature rises, most of us remember to reach for the sun cream, drink more water and find a bit of shade.
But there’s one part of our body that often gets forgotten during hot weather.
Our eyes.
Whether you’re enjoying a day in Clarence Park, heading off on holiday or simply popping to the shops in Marshalswick, warm weather can take its toll on your eye health in ways many people don’t realise.
Hot weather can make your eyes feel dry
“People are often surprised to learn that dehydration affects your eyes as well as the rest of your body,” says Jez Levy, owner of EYES on St Albans.
When your body starts to lose water, your eyes can become dry, gritty, irritated and tired.
If you wear contact lenses, you’ll often notice it even sooner.
“Contact lenses rely on a healthy tear film to stay comfortable,” explains Jez. “When your eyes begin drying out, lenses can become uncomfortable much more quickly.”
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is one of the simplest ways to help keep both your body and your eyes healthy during the summer months.
Air conditioning can be just as drying
It’s not only sunshine that causes problems.
Air conditioning, desk fans, car ventilation and dry indoor environments can all reduce the moisture on the surface of your eyes. Add pollen, dust or a breezy day into the mix and it’s easy to see why your eyes may feel more irritated than usual.
“So here’s a slightly unusual piece of advice from an optician,” says Jez. “If you’re spending a long day outdoors, or constantly moving between hot weather and air-conditioned buildings, wear your glasses, rather than contact lenses if you can.”
Glasses give your eyes a break from contact lenses while also helping to shield them from drying winds, dust and airborne pollen.
Don’t forget UV protection
Good quality sunglasses aren’t simply about looking stylish.
They help protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can contribute to long-term eye problems.
Choose sunglasses that offer full UV protection and, if possible, wear a wide-brimmed hat to reduce the amount of direct sunlight reaching your eyes.
If you’d like advice on choosing the right sunglasses or prescription sun lenses, we’re always happy to help.
Heat can damage your glasses too
One of the biggest mistakes people make during the summer is leaving their glasses in the car.
A dashboard or windowsill can become incredibly hot, potentially damaging lens coatings or even causing some frame materials to warp.
“We’ve seen it happen,” says Jez. “If you’re not wearing your glasses, remember our favourite saying: case or face.”
Keeping your glasses safely in their case is one of the easiest ways to protect your investment.
Our door is always open
Summer should be about enjoying yourself, not struggling in the heat.
If you’re out and about in Marshalswick or around The Quadrant and begin to feel faint, dizzy or simply overwhelmed by the temperature, don’t be afraid to pop into EYES on St Albans.
“You don’t have to be a customer,” says Jez. “If someone needs somewhere cool to sit for a few minutes, a glass of water and a chance to recover, they’re always welcome to come in. That’s just what communities do.”
It’s a small gesture, but one we’re always happy to offer.
Enjoy the sunshine safely
Hot weather is something to enjoy, but looking after your eyes is just as important as protecting your skin.
Stay hydrated.
Wear quality sunglasses.
Look after your glasses.
And above all, look after each other.
If you’d like advice about sunglasses, contact lenses or keeping your eyes comfortable this summer, pop into EYES on St Albans. We’d love to see you.
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