For many families in our community, summer means lake trips, beach days, barbecues, and plenty of time outdoors. However, while sunscreen is a staple in most beach bags, many people often overlook protecting their eyes from UV rays. Whether you're building sandcastles with the kids, catching waves, or relaxing with a book in the sun, your eyes have exposure to the same harmful radiation that can damage your skin.
At Healing Eye Care, we believe that healthy vision starts with everyday prevention. We’re here to help your family enjoy the season safely with practical tips to reduce eye strain, avoid infections, and guard against UV-related eye damage.
The Real Risk: How the Sun Affects Your Eyes
UV rays can damage delicate eye structures—just like they can damage your skin. Even short bursts of exposure, especially without sunglasses, can increase your risk for conditions like:
- Cataracts: Clouding of the eye’s lens, often accelerated by UV exposure.
- Macular degeneration: Damage to the retina’s central area, leading to vision loss later in life.
- Photokeratitis: A temporary but painful “sunburn” on the eye, usually caused by intense UV reflection from sand or water.
Children are especially vulnerable since their eyes are still developing and allow more UV light to pass through than adult eyes. That’s why sun safety is crucial for every member of the family, not just those who already wear glasses.
Choosing the Right Sunglasses: What Really Matters
Not all sunglasses provide real protection. A dark tint might reduce glare, but it doesn’t always block harmful UV rays. Here’s what to look for:
- 100% UVA and UVB protection: Check the label to ensure full-spectrum UV filtering.
- Polarized lenses: These reduce harsh glare from water and sand.
- Durable frames: For kids especially, opt for flexible, impact-resistant materials.
- Comfortable fit: Sunglasses should wrap around enough to block rays from the side.
At Healing Eye Care, we offer a curated selection of sunglasses that meet these standards. We offer polarized lenses for both prescription and non-prescription sunglasses and carry trusted brands like Maui Jim®, Ray-Ban®, and NanoVista™ kids’ eyewear.
More Than Sunglasses: Smart Habits for Safer Summer Eyes
UV rays aren’t the only beachside threat. Salt, sand, bacteria, and wind can all lead to eye irritation or injury. Here are a few ways to stay ahead of those risks:
- Keep hands clean: Encourage kids (and adults) to wash or sanitize hands often, especially before rubbing their eyes or adjusting sunglasses.
- Use swim goggles: Whether you’re in the lake or ocean, goggles can shield eyes from salt, bacteria, and debris.
- Protect against glare: Sunglasses with polarized lenses help prevent squinting and eye fatigue when light reflects off water or sand.
- Stay hydrated: Dehydration can lead to dry eyes. Encourage everyone to drink water throughout the day, even if they don't feel thirsty.
- Pack a backup: Sand and salt can scratch lenses. It’s a good idea to bring an extra pair of sunglasses, especially for children.
Simple habits like these can help prevent irritation and reduce the chances of developing infections or injuries during your family outings.
Beach Safety for Kids: How to Protect Little Eyes
Kids don’t always think about sun safety—but we do. Help your child stay protected with:
- Sunglasses made for children: Avoid adult-sized glasses on kids—they don’t offer the same level of protection. Kids need smaller frames and appropriately curved lenses for full coverage.
- Wide-brimmed hats: Hats add an extra layer of sun protection, shielding eyes and sensitive facial skin.
- Supervised water play: Sand, water, and active games are part of the fun—but they can also lead to slips, scrapes, or eye injuries. Keeping a close watch ensures safety without spoiling the moment.
Our team is happy to help your child find comfortable sunglasses they’ll actually want to wear.
Find the Right Summer Eyewear at Healing Eye Care
Our experienced team is here to make your summer both stylish and safe. Whether you're preparing for a beach trip, heading to summer camp, or just spending more time in the backyard, we can help you choose the right protective lenses for the whole family.
We carry:
- Polarized lenses
- Prescription and non-prescription sunwear
- Kid-friendly frames built for durability
- Coatings to reduce glare and protect against scratches
Need help selecting the right lenses? Just stop by. Our optical team will answer your questions and ensure your sunwear protects your vision while keeping you comfortable.
Visit Us in Clearwater This Summer
There’s no better time than now to prepare your eyes for the bright season ahead. Whether you need new prescription sunglasses, durable beach-ready options for the kids, or simply expert advice, we’re here to help.
Stop by Healing Eye Care and give your eyes the sun protection they deserve this summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do UV rays affect my eyes?
UV rays can harm the sensitive structures of the eye, including the cornea, lens, and retina. Prolonged exposure can lead to conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, and photokeratitis (a type of sunburn to the eye).
What features should I look for in sunglasses?
Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Polarized lenses help reduce glare from surfaces like water or sand. Comfort, durability, and full-coverage fit (including wraparound styles) are also important—especially for active use.
Can kids wear adult sunglasses?
No. Adult sunglasses don’t fit a child’s face properly and may leave gaps that allow UV rays to reach the eyes. Children’s sunglasses feature the correct curvature and fit to ensure proper protection.
How can I protect my eyes from sand and saltwater?
Wear swim goggles when entering the water, and always wash your hands before touching your eyes. Avoid rubbing your eyes after playing in the sand or swimming, and keep lubricating drops on hand in case of irritation.