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Eye I.Q.

Useful information for protecting your eye health

It’s summer, and that means special risks for your eye health. Protect yourself with these simple tips.

Wear sunglasses. Not just any sunglasses. You need lenses with a strong UV block, which has nothing to do with the darkness of your sunglass lenses. Even clear lenses can be treated with a UV block.

Polarized lenses are an excellent way to reduce discomfort from light reflected off of water, glass, and pavement.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that more than 40 percent of eye injuries occur at home. Wearing safety glasses that are American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-compliant can reduce injuries whether you’re doing yard work or using household chemicals.

Another 40 percent of eye injuries result for sporting accidents. Whatever sport you enjoy, protect your eyes with gear approved by the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM).

When swimming, be sure to wear goggles. This goes for salt and fresh bodies of water, as well as chemically balanced swimming pools and spas. Waterborne bacteria can cause infection, especially among those who wear contact lenses, as contacts can keep bacteria trapped against the eye. Swimming pool and spa chemicals can irritate sensitive eye tissue.

In selecting your goggles, look for padding that will rest on the bones surrounding the eyes, rather than on the soft tissue, to provide comfort as well as a more secure seal. Goggles made with polycarbonate material will resist breakage and will also protect against UV rays.

Goggles can also be made with anti-fog coatings and eyeglass prescriptions.