23 July 2024

Summer eye health tips

Public health

As the schools break up for the summer holidays, and many look forward to spending more time outside in the sunshine, the College has issued tips to support the public in protecting their eyes from the sun.

Scroll down for graphics you can use to help share advice on protecting the public's vision and eye health this summer.

The College has issued the following advice to help safeguard eye health and vision over the summer months:

  • When spending time outdoors, do ensure you and your children have sunglasses with good UV protection. Look out for the British Standard (ISO 12312-1:2022), the CE or UKCA mark.
  • Hats are not just a fashion accessory; they are also a great way to protect your eyes from the glare of the sun. Adding an extra layer of protection in the sun by wearing a hat with a wide brim or a sun visor, will help keep your eyes comfortable and safe.
  • Watertight goggles are a great way to protect your eyes while swimming. They can help shield and protect eyes from infection-causing microbes that can often be found in open water or even in public pools. If you wear contact lenses, we recommend you take them out before swimming. You can buy swim goggles with prescription lenses though, so if you need eye wear to help you see while in the water, ask your optometrist for advice.
  • There is evidence that encouraging children to spend time outdoors could reduce the onset of myopia (short sightedness) so do try make sure they have some time playing outside each day.

Daniel Hardiman McCartney MBE MCOptom

Clinical Adviser at The College of Optometrists

“Summer is finally here, and hopefully we will have plenty of warm and sunny weather to enjoy spending time outdoors. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun have been linked to the development of some eye conditions, including cataracts and damage to the front surface of the eye, which can result in permanent damage, so it’s important to take measures to protect them on sunny days. It is especially important for parents to protect their children’s eyes and ensure that children can spend time in the sun safely while enjoying the many health benefits of spending time outside. The good news is that good quality sunglasses, suncream and a wide-brimmed hat can give you the protection you need.”

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