Summertime brings outdoor adventures, sports, swimming, and more exposure to sunlight, all of which can pose risks to your eyes. Unfortunately, there are several myths about eye care and first aid treatments that can do more harm than good when dealing with eye-related injuries or discomfort. In this article, we will debunk common summer first aid myths related to eye care and provide the correct treatments to ensure your eyes stay healthy during the sunny season.

After a dip in the pool, many swimmers experience redness and irritation from chlorine. Some believe that splashing more pool or tap water in their eyes will rinse away the chlorine and alleviate discomfort. Unfortunately, this can exacerbate the irritation.

The Truth: Chlorine in pool water can disrupt the tear film that protects your eyes, causing dryness and redness. Instead of using more water, which may contain additional chemicals or impurities, the best solution is to use lubricating eye drops or artificial tears. These can help restore moisture to the eyes. You should also consider wearing swim goggles to protect your eyes from chlorine exposure during your swim.

During the summer, pollen, dust, and allergens can easily irritate your eyes, leading to itching. Rubbing your eyes is often seen as a quick fix, but this action can cause more harm than good, as it increases the risk of inflammation and corneal abrasions.

The Truth: Instead of rubbing your eyes, rinse them with saline solution or use lubricating eye drops to flush out any allergens. If the irritation is due to allergies, over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops may help relieve the symptoms. In cases of severe irritation or persistent discomfort, consult an eye care professional for the best course of treatment.

Some people believe that wearing regular sunglasses provides enough protection to view a solar eclipse safely. However, this is a dangerous misconception. Looking directly at the sun, even for a few seconds, can cause serious and irreversible damage to your eyes, including solar retinopathy.

The Truth: Never look directly at the sun, even during a solar eclipse, without proper eye protection. Standard sunglasses are not sufficient to block the intense rays of the sun. Instead, use specially designed solar eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 safety standard. These glasses provide adequate protection for safe viewing of an eclipse. If you experience any visual changes after staring at the sun, seek immediate medical attention from an eye specialist.

Many people believe that applying milk or cucumber slices can relieve eye burns caused by excessive exposure to UV light. While this may offer temporary cooling, these substances do not treat the underlying damage and can introduce bacteria into the eye, increasing the risk of infection.

The Truth: If you suspect you have an eye burn from UV exposure—also known as photokeratitis—the best course of action is to rest your eyes and avoid further UV exposure. Wearing wraparound sunglasses can help shield your eyes from the sun while they heal. Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can provide relief, and cold compresses can help reduce swelling. If symptoms persist, consult an eye care professional for further evaluation.

Accidents involving household cleaning products, pesticides, or even sunscreen can result in chemicals splashing into your eyes. While some people instinctively reach for saline solution or tap water to flush out the irritants, tap water may contain impurities that can worsen the situation, and saline solution may not be effective for serious chemical exposure.

The Truth: In the case of chemical exposure to the eyes, it’s essential to act quickly. Rinse the affected eye immediately with clean, lukewarm water for at least 15-20 minutes to dilute and flush out the chemical. You can use a shower or sink to do this, keeping the water flow gentle to avoid further irritation. After flushing the eye, seek emergency medical care, especially if you experience blurred vision, pain, or prolonged redness. For chemicals like strong acids or alkalis, immediate medical attention is crucial.

After experiencing an eye injury, some people turn to ice packs to reduce swelling. However, applying ice directly to the delicate tissues around the eyes can cause further damage, such as frostbite or increased pressure on the injury.

The Truth: If you suffer an eye injury, such as a black eye or trauma from an accident, use a cold compress rather than an ice pack directly on the skin. Wrap ice in a soft cloth or towel and gently apply it to the area around the eye for 10-15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling. Avoid putting pressure on the eye itself, and seek medical attention to rule out more serious issues like internal bleeding or damage to the eye structure.

Summer activities like biking, hiking, or being at the beach can increase the risk of getting dirt, sand, or other debris in your eyes. Some people believe that using cotton swabs or fingers to remove the foreign object is effective, but this can lead to scratching the cornea or introducing bacteria into the eye.

The Truth: If something gets into your eye, avoid rubbing or trying to remove it with cotton swabs. Instead, blink frequently to encourage the object to work its way out naturally. You can also use saline solution or clean water to rinse the eye gently. If the foreign object doesn’t come out, or if you experience sharp pain or vision changes, seek medical attention from an eye doctor to avoid further damage.

Many people forgo protective eyewear while doing yard work or other outdoor activities during the summer, believing that injuries are rare. However, flying debris, sharp branches, and chemical exposure from fertilizers or pesticides can all cause serious eye injuries.

The Truth: Eye protection is crucial during activities like mowing the lawn, trimming trees, or using power tools. Wearing safety goggles or wraparound sunglasses can protect your eyes from harmful debris and chemicals. It’s always better to prevent eye injuries than to treat them after they occur.

While summer is a time for fun and relaxation, it’s also important to be aware of the risks that can harm your eyes. Debunking these common first aid myths ensures that you can treat eye injuries and discomfort properly and safely. When in doubt, always consult an eye care professional, and remember that prevention through proper eye protection is the best strategy for maintaining healthy vision all summer long.

World Eye Care Foundation’s eyecare.live brings you the latest information from various industry sources and experts in eye health and vision care. Please consult with your eye care provider for more general information and specific eye conditions. We do not provide any medical advice, suggestions or recommendations in any health conditions.