As the summer months approach, it is important to be conscious of proper eye care, especially when it comes to contact lenses.

There are certain precautions and steps you can take to ensure that your contact lenses are safe and healthy to wear throughout the summer. Below are some tips on how to protect your eyes and properly care for your contact lenses during the summer season.

Tip #1: Avoid Swimming with Contact Lenses

One of the biggest risks of wearing contact lenses during the summer is swimming with them on.

Whether it’s in the pool, lake, river or ocean, water is home to a variety of bacteria, parasites and other harmful microorganisms that can easily get trapped in your contact lenses. This can lead to a painful and potentially serious eye infection, such as corneal ulcers or conjunctivitis. To avoid these risks, it is best to remove your contact lenses before swimming and wear prescription goggles instead.

If you must wear your contact lenses while swimming, use waterproof lenses and dispose of them immediately after use.

Tip #2: Use UV-Blocking Sunglasses

Summer sunlight, while enjoyable, poses a significant risk to your eyes. Excessive exposure to UV rays can increase the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration and even skin cancer on the eyelids.

To protect your eyes from these risks, it is important to wear UV-blocking sunglasses whenever you are outdoors. Pairing your sunglasses with a hat can also provide extra protection for your eyes and skin.

Tip #3: Keep Your Contact Lenses Clean

Cleanliness is key when it comes to contact lenses, especially during the summer months where sweat, dirt, and debris can accumulate easily. One way to keep your lenses clean is by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling them.

Avoid using moisturizing soaps or lotions before handling lenses as it can leave a residue on the lens. Additionally, make sure to only use contact lens solution that has been recommended by your eye doctor and to properly clean and store the lenses after each use.

Never rinse your lenses in water as it may contain harmful substances that could lead to infection and damage to your lenses.

Tip #4: Stay Hydrated

Hydration is essential in keeping your eyes healthy and comfortable during the summer months. Wearing contact lenses can sometimes lead to dehydration in the eyes, causing dryness, irritation and discomfort.

To prevent this, make sure to drink plenty of water and other hydrating fluids, such as natural fruit juices and coconut water. If you experience dryness or discomfort while wearing your contact lenses, try using rewetting drops to help lubricate and moisturize your eyes.

Tip #5: Give Your Eyes A Break

Wearing contact lenses for extended periods of time can often lead to irritation and discomfort. Giving your eyes a break every once in a while can help alleviate these symptoms. Try wearing your glasses for a few hours instead of your contact lenses.

If you must wear your contact lenses for a long period of time, make sure to remove them before going to bed and give your eyes some much-needed rest.

Tip #6: Schedule Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye exams are a crucial part of maintaining good eye health, especially for contact lens wearers. Scheduling routine exams can help monitor the health of your eyes and detect any potential issues before they become serious.

Speak with your eye doctor to determine how often you should be scheduling exams and if any additional precautions should be taken during the summer months.

Sharing contact lenses with others, even family members or close friends, is incredibly risky and can lead to various eye infections.

Everyone’s eyes have a unique shape and prescription, making it important that you use only your own contact lenses and do not share them with others. If you lose or damage your contact lenses, make sure to contact your eye doctor for replacement lenses.

Tip #8: Be Cautious with Cosmetics

Eye makeup and cosmetics can pose a risk to those who wear contact lenses. To avoid any potential damage or infection, make sure to only use products that are labeled “safe for contact lens wearers”.

Always remove your contact lenses before applying makeup and avoid using regular makeup removers on or around the eyes. There are specially formulated makeup removers that are safe for use on the delicate eye area that do not contain oil that could cause damage to your contact lenses.

Tip #9: Avoid Dusty or Polluted Areas

During the summer months, air pollution can get worse, especially in urban areas. Dust, dirt, and pollution can easily get trapped in your lenses, which can lead to eye irritation and infection.

If possible, avoid going to areas with high levels of pollution, or wear wraparound sunglasses or eye protection to shield your eyes from dust and debris.

Tip #10: Replace Your Contact Lenses Regularly

Regularly replacing your contact lenses is essential to maintaining good eye health, especially during the summer months where lenses can accumulate dirt and debris more easily.

Depending on the type of lens you wear, your eye doctor may recommend replacing them every two weeks, monthly, or even on a daily basis. Make sure to follow the recommended replacement schedule to reduce the risk of infection and discomfort.