When headed for a day on the water, most people focus on protecting their skin from the harsh sun and sand.
Now, while the skin should definitely be cared for, it's equally important to do the same for your eyes. While the water may be visually calming and invigorating, the effects of being in this environment for extended periods sans protection can pose serious risks for your eyes. Note, the Environmental Protection Agency states that sun exposure can result in skin aging and eye damage like certain cancers and vision loss. Additionally, being in or near the water can cause irritation from things like salt water, debris, and chemicals like chlorine. These can cause problems such as bloodshot, swollen, and sensitive eyes. As such, for you to fully and sustainably enjoy your water adventures, it's crucial that you practice eye protection in and out of the water. Here are a few ways how:
Protect your eyes with quality eyewear
In choosing protective eyewear, you have to consider the range of applications for the activity you're doing. In the open water, polarized lenses are among the best choices since they still work in low light, such as dawn and dusk conditions, while enhancing visual acuity and preventing harsh glare. For example, Costa del Mar's "Diego" sunglasses can heighten contrast and reduce eye strain. Additionally, polarized lenses also come in different tints to suit your needs on the water. For example, a blue mirror lens is ideal against the reflective water. Meanwhile, green mirror and copper lenses are best for freshwater sight fishing and are perfect for cloudy yet bright days.
That said, if you're among the 31 million Americans who swim for fitness or competitive purposes, then be sure to pack quality underwater goggles. A brand like "Tidal Sports" is well recognized and selected by competitive swimmers since it provides a snug fit, solid visibility, and durable eye protection from underwater elements. Just like with your sunglasses, though, you'll want to account for the lens tint. Clear lenses are best for indoor swimming with dim lighting, mirrored lenses are great for bright indoor and open water, and tinted lenses like orange and pink help heighten contrast for swimming outdoors and indoors.
Use eye rinsing solution
When you're near the water, there are a lot of irritants that can pose a risk to your eyes. For instance, sand can easily enter the eyes and cause corneal abrasions if scratched. Aside from this, even the water itself can cause issues if the salinity or chlorine level is too high for your eyes. This is why it pays to pack your own dedicated eye rinsing solution.
Products like the "Collyrium for Fresh Eyes" can help relieve irritation, discomfort, and stinging by flushing out foreign materials as well as chlorinated water. Since these are also formulated for the eyes, they are gentler and provide added benefits like soothing and reducing redness. If you're also prone to dry eyes, you may also want to bring along lubricating eye drops. Unlike rinsing solutions, which are meant to "wash" the eyes, drops can help keep your eyes lubricated amid sun, heat, and wind. Eye drops like "Blink GelTears" mimic your eyes' natural lubricants, which can serve as a handy refresher while out. That said, it's still important to be mindful of your surroundings. Stick to the well-known bodies of water to avoid risky situations with your eyes and overall safety.
Use sunscreen on your eyelids
Yes, you read that right. Putting sunscreen on eyelids is often forgotten when discussing sun protection. However, the eyelids can also develop a sunburn, especially when your eyes are closed or when the sun is at its hottest. The eyelid skin is also the thinnest of the whole body, so it doesn't take much exposure for it to get burned. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that 1.2 million new cases of non-melanoma skin cancers developed in recent years. This refers to a group of cancers that slowly develop in the upper layers of the skin. So take the necessary precautions and protect your eyelids. For best results, opt for sunscreens that are formulated to be reef-safe and sensitive, like Blue Lizard. This way, there is less chance that certain chemicals will leech into the water or sting your eyes.
Remember, taking the necessary precautions for your eyes will have lasting benefits. With well-protected eyes, you can enjoy your water activities for years to come.
