Eyes: what are they risking on vacation? Choose sunglasses with expert advice

Summer means heat, sun and holidays. However, like the skin, the eyes also need adequate protection against the harmful ultraviolet rays of sunlight which is particularly intense at this time of year.

Especially on the beach due to the reflection of the sand and sea water (or pool), and in the mountains due to the altitude, protecting your eyes is important for eye health.

Sunglasses are essential, but it’s not the only way to protect eye health. This is why we talked about it with an expert, Dr. Pietro Rosetta, head of Ophthalmology at Humanitas San Pio X.  

What are the risks for the eyes?

In the summer, your eyes can suffer from excessive and prolonged exposure to unprotected UV rays . There may be redness, tearing and a feeling of sand in the eyes, and prolonged exposure to the sun can also favor the onset of cataracts, an eye disease that causes the opacification of the crystalline lens.

At the sea or in the mountains, are the risks the same?

At the sea , for example, eyes not protected by adequate sunglasses can suffer not only from exposure to UV rays amplified by the glare on the sea.

In fact, it can happen that, also due to the wind, sand enters the eyes and, if not washed off perfectly with fresh water, it can cause microtraumas to the cornea, creating the conditions for infections and conjunctivitis which can also derive from swimming in the sea or in swimming pool without the protection of goggles.

In the mountains , glare and UV rays are equally harmful to the eyes, especially for high-altitude and glacier trekking enthusiasts. But when it comes to eyes we must not forget the eyelids and the skin around the eyes, which must be protected from sunburn , like the rest of the body, because they can increase the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, sunscreen should also be applied around the eyes and on the eyelids, making sure that it does not come into contact with the eyes. If this happens, don’t worry, just rinse well with fresh water.

Are sunglasses sufficient protection?

Sunglasses are sufficient and important for the protection of the eyes from UV rays in every month of the year, but especially in summer even on cloudy days which still allow UV rays to filter.

How to choose the right sunglasses?

Eyewear aesthetics are important, with eyeglass frames having to fit the face and not be too small or let the lenses expose the eyes.

For eye health, on the other hand , lenses are essential which must be dark, must have sunscreens for at least 95% of UVA rays and 99% of UVB rays , the most harmful, must be certified by the CE mark, or by the certificate of UV400 guarantee.

As for the color, only dark lenses?

Much depends on the sensitivity to light which varies from person to person, but in summer the darker, smoky-grey and grey-green ones protect the eyes better from UV rays than the yellow, red or orange colored ones which are more suitable for the cold light of the days of winter sun. Furthermore, the dark ones are also more adaptable to the prescription lenses necessary for the nearsighted, farsighted and farsighted.

Speaking of lenses, what’s the best material?

There is no difference between crystal and polycarbonate in terms of UV protection if they are certified. The only differences concern lightness, safety in case of trauma to the face and resistance to scratches. Those in polycarbonate are lighter, in case of trauma to the face they do not shatter like those in crystal, but they scratch easily and therefore must be stored and treated with care.

What about the polarized ones?

They’re great for protecting yourself from glare and reflection from water or snow or ice, whatever the season.

Some advice for those who use contact lenses in the summer

First, dry eyes should be avoided , which can make it difficult not only to remove the lens but also to see clearly, by using tear substitutes frequently. Finally, the lenses must be removed for swimming both in the sea and in the pool, because they can favor the onset of keratitis from microorganisms present in the water.

What to do in case of eye problems?

Avoid do-it-yourself remedies, and consult a specialist, especially if the symptoms are persistent or the disturbances worsen. In fact, the ophthalmologist evaluates the problem, formulates the diagnosis and only after these evaluations recommends the appropriate treatment. In order to avoid further damage, and to be able to continue your holidays in the best possible way.