It’s important to protect your eyes as you would your skin. If you have not had an opportunity to watch Dear 16 year old Me which was produced by The David Cornfield Melanoma Fund I would strongly suggest that you watch and share it with family, friends and co-workers.
The mission of this Fund & Video is to educate people on the importance of protecting oneself against the suns powerful rays.
With summer around the corner it’s important to be reminded that the sun’s powerful rays are powerful all year long. The importance of sun safety is something we should all be mindful of 365 days a year.
Your skin and eyes need to be protected at all times.
Here are some of my top tips:
- Wear sunglasses with UVA & UVB protection.
- Wear eye protection while playing sports-golf, squash included. The smaller the ball the increase in possible eye injury verses a larger ball think soccer ball.
- Wear eye protection while doing home projects ie. painting outside, gardening/cutting the lawn, hammering, chopping wood, etc.
- Chemicals…have you ever jumped into a pool and your eyes started stinging. If that happens get out of the pool and rinse your eyes with clean water. If the stunning persists for a few hours go to your Optometrist. Avoid wearing contact lenses while swimming. The surface tension holding them in your eyes can be washed away by the water. Infections can also happen with water that is untreated ie. pond or lake.
- Long weekend Fireworks-always wear protective gear.
- Laser Eye Surgery-follow doctors orders regarding your recovery in order to get the best results. Should you run into something that does not feel right call your surgeon or go to your nearest emergency room.
- Bungee Cords, Kites and Elastic Bands-Bungee cords that are often used to hold luggage can snap at 50mph. Kites and elastics bands can have some pretty serious effects if they hit someone in their eye.
However you spend your summer, enjoy, be safe and protect your eyes!
