Ah, the beach—the sun, the sand, the surf. It’s a place where we go to relax, unwind, and soak up the sun. While we often remember to lather on sunscreen to protect our skin, it’s equally important to safeguard our eyes from the elements. Here are some crucial eye safety tips to keep in mind for your next beach day:

Choose the Right Sunglasses

Not all sunglasses are created equal when it comes to protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Look for sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection, blocking both UVA and UVB rays. This helps prevent conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration Polarized lenses are also beneficial as they reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water and sand, providing clearer vision and reducing eye strain.

Avoid Swimming in Contact Lenses

While it might be tempting to wear your contact lenses while swimming at the beach, it’s actually a risky move. Contact lenses can trap bacteria and other pathogens against your eye, increasing the risk of infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye). Saltwater and sand can easily get trapped under lenses, causing irritation and discomfort.

Rinse, Don’t Rub

Getting sand or dirt in your eye is a common occurrence when you’re hitting the beach. Remember, rinse, don’t rub! Rubbing your eye can actually cause the debris to scratch your cornea, making matters worse. Instead, rinse your eye gently with clean water using a bottle. If the irritation persists or if you experience pain, seek medical attention promptly.