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Seasonal messaging is a great way to stay relevant and keep your patients engaged. As summer approaches, it’s time to provide guidance on topics like UV rays, outdoor activities, and hydration.
Our guide to summer eye care will give you a few ideas for helping your patients protect their vision this season.
UV Eye Protection
UV rays are present year-round, but they are stronger during the summer months because the sun is higher in the sky.
It’s the perfect time to remind patients that exposure to UV rays can accelerate the eyes’ aging process, increasing risks of developing cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
Besides educating patients about these eye health conditions, you can share a few tips for choosing the right sunglasses for summer eye care protection:
- Sunglasses should offer 100% protection against UVA and UVB rays.
- Polarized lenses can reduce glare and improve comfort.
- Wraparound styles are ideal for blocking UV rays from the sides.
- Encourage patients to come in and have their sunglasses tested with a UV meter.
- You can also recommend wearing a hat to help shield the eyes from UV rays.
Eye Injury Prevention
Nice weather and summer vacation mean it’s time for outdoor activities. Patients may be swimming, playing baseball, or trying pickleball for the first time. Regardless of their chosen sport or hobby, many summertime activities carry an increased risk of eye injury.
However, many are unaware of these risks until an injury occurs. As an optometrist, you should educate your patients about the increased risks of eye injuries during sports and outdoor activities. You may want to recommend goggles and safety glasses to prevent eye trauma.
You can also share a few tips for recognizing and treating common eye injuries:
- Dust, debris, and allergens in the eye often cause redness and irritation. An infographic can teach patients about proper eye-washing techniques to address this issue.
- Teach patients to recognize the symptoms that warrant a visit to an emergency room or healthcare provider. Generally speaking, these symptoms include blurred vision, light sensitivity, and swelling.
Summertime Heat and Dry Eye Syndrome
Hydration is often overlooked when discussing eye health. In the summer, hot weather and wind can create conditions that lead to dry eyes. Symptoms include redness, teary eyes, itching, eyestrain, and a burning sensation.
Dry eye syndrome is easy to prevent. Here are a few tips you can share with patients to maintain proper eye moisture:
- Drinking plenty of fluids helps the eyes maintain a protective tear film.
- Wearing sunglasses or other protective eyewear will shield the eyes from dry air.
- Allergens can worsen irritation and dry-eye symptoms. HVAC duct cleaning can reduce allergens in indoor air, and patients who are sensitive to allergens should stay indoors on days with poor air quality.
- Using artificial tears can restore hydration levels in the eyes and relieve symptoms.
- Screens can worsen eye dryness by limiting blinking, so remind patients to practice good screen-time hygiene and wear blue-light glasses.
Support Summer Eye Care This Season
Being proactive about summer eye care can prevent damage from UV rays, reduce the risks of eye injury, and protect from dry eye syndrome.
Besides educating your patients, you can make eye health more accessible by accepting a wider range of plans. Vision Care Direct of Oklahoma—a local-first, optometrist-owned plan—is a great option to consider. Our plans make regular eye exams and other services more affordable and support an optimal patient experience thanks to prenegotiated savings. Learn more about joining the VCD family!
