It’s the best time of year in Westwood. Warm weather is here, summer officially starts on June 21 and we have shifted our attention to outdoor activities. Are you a hiker? Do you go to the beach? How about walks around town? Whatever you love to do, I’m sure you instinctively go through a summer checklist before heading outside – sunscreen, water, staying cool. I’m here to remind you there’s one more important factor you can’t overlook. Protect your eyes!
Simple habits can go a long way toward keeping your vision healthy throughout the summer. Here’s a quick checklist I share with patients this time of year:
Sunglasses – Not all shades are created equal, and this is our top priority. The most important feature to consider is 100% UV protection. Without it, dark lenses can actually do more harm than good, because your pupils will dilate, allowing harmful rays in. Polarized lenses are helpful, especially for reducing glare when you’re driving, at the beach or on the water. It’s always worth checking to assure your sunglasses are giving you the 100% UV protection you need.
Water Habits – This one surprises people. Swimming with contact lenses in a pool, lake, or ocean can increase the risk of eye infections. Water has the capacity to introduce bacteria and other irritants that don’t mix well with lenses. If you plan to swim and want to have clear vision, prescription goggles are a great option, or simply remove your contacts before you hop in the water.
Dryness – This is a common summer complaint. Just when we get through the peak allergy season, now we have to be aware of air conditioning, fans, and time in the sun. Each of these factors can lead to unexpected eye irritation. If you notice burning, redness, or that gritty feeling, preservative-free artificial tears can help keep things comfortable. Staying hydrated plays a role here too, so don’t underestimate how much water helps your eyes as well as the rest of your body.
Kids – Children are especially sensitive to UV exposure, yet they’re often the least likely to wear proper eye protection. A good pair of sunglasses for your child isn’t just nice to have, it’s a key factor in protecting their long-term eye health. If your kids are active in sports, protective eyewear can prevent injuries that are more common than most people realize.
Awareness – If you’re spending more time outside, take breaks from screens when you can and give your eyes a chance to relax. If something doesn’t feel right – blurred vision, discomfort, or persistent redness – it’s always better to check in with an eye doctor early rather than wait.
One of the things I enjoy most about practicing here in Westwood is getting to know families over time and helping them stay ahead of issues before they become problems. Eye care doesn’t have to be complicated. Often, it’s about small, thoughtful choices that add up over time.
If you’re heading into summer with questions about your vision, your sunglasses, or just want peace of mind that everything looks good, we’re always here to help at Westwood Eye Care and Optical. Enjoy the sunshine, and don’t forget to take care of your eyes while you’re out there.
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements, and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media LLC (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses, or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability, or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party.
