As summer fades, it's easy to stow away the beach gear and forget about sun protection. But did you know that safeguarding your eyes from the sun's potentially harmful rays is not just a summertime concern?
Many seniors, particularly those in sunny locations fall victim to the misconception that protection from the sun is only necessary during the warmer months. However, the truth is that protecting your eyes from the sun is important even as summer comes to a close.
The Importance of Year-Round Eye Protection
Regardless of the season, harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays are always present, ready to cause potential harm to your eyes. They don't take a break during the cooler months. In fact, snow can reflect up to 80% of UV rays, intensifying exposure.
As we age, our eyes become even more susceptible to damage from these rays, leading to serious conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. Both conditions can impair vision, greatly affecting seniors' quality of life. Thus, it becomes paramount to safeguard your eyes all year round.
Practical Tips for Protecting Your Eyes
There are several things you can do to protect your eyes even as summer comes to an end.
Sunglasses
One of the most straightforward ways to protect your eyes is by utilizing sunglasses with full UV protection. Make sure to choose ones that block out 99-100% of both UVA and UVB rays. These sunglasses should be worn each time you're outside in bright light, even on cloudy days, as UV rays can penetrate cloud cover.
Brimmed Hats
Another practical approach is wearing brimmed hats during periods of bright daylight hours. A hat won't just protect your eyes; it also shelters your face and neck, which are equally vulnerable to these harmful rays.
Eye Care
While sunglasses and hats are vital, regular eye check-ups are equally important. These visits can help identify potential issues early on, allowing for timely intervention and treatment. Talk to your care provider about how often you need to come in. While most people will benefit from annual eye exams, seniors with certain conditions or declining vision may benefit from more frequent visits with their care optometrists.
Avoiding the Sun
When outdoors, try to avoid looking directly at the sun. Shade your eyes or look down when needed to help protect your eyes from the sun's rays.
Help and Care for Seniors
In sunny South Florida, Senior Helpers South Palm Beach understands the importance of maintaining seniors' health throughout the year. We're committed to educating our senior community about potential health risks and providing them with the necessary information and resources to address these concerns.
If you reside in Lake Worth, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, or Atlantis and require assistance in managing your daily care needs, don't hesitate to reach out to Senior Helpers South Palm Beach. We can help with daily home care needs or personal care requirements, including helping our seniors with reminders and help to care for their eyes.