Summer holidays often mean sun, sea and fun—but they also bring a higher risk of eye injuries. Whether it’s swimming in salty or fresh water, playing beach sports, or prolonged sun exposure, our eyes are more vulnerable than we may realize.
According to ophthalmologists, the most frequent summer eye injury is the entry of foreign objects such as sand, dust, or small particles stirred up by wind or water activities. These can cause discomfort, scratches on the cornea, or even infections if not treated properly.
Impact injuries are also common, often caused by beach games or sports equipment. Even a ball or snorkel can result in bruising, bleeding, or in more severe cases, fractures around the eye socket. Meanwhile, contact with seawater, sunscreen, or cigarette smoke can irritate the eyes, while excessive exposure to UV rays without quality sunglasses may lead to photokeratitis—a painful sunburn of the cornea.
Dr. Anastasios Kanellopoulos, ophthalmic surgeon and professor of Ophthalmology at New York University, stresses that eye injuries vary in severity. Some are minor and heal quickly, while others require immediate medical attention.
Five First Aid Tips for Summer Eye Safety:
- Sand or dust in the eye: Do not rub your eye. Blink repeatedly to encourage tears to wash it out. If that fails, rinse with clean water or saline solution for up to 20 minutes. Seek medical advice if discomfort persists.
- Smoke exposure: Rinse thoroughly with saline or clean water. Avoid rubbing or removing contact lenses until after rinsing. Consult a doctor if irritation continues.
- Seawater or sunscreen irritation: Rinse with saline or potable water, blink frequently, and remove contact lenses immediately. If redness or discomfort lasts more than an hour, visit an ophthalmologist.
- Impact injuries from sports or accidents: Apply a cold compress gently to reduce swelling, but avoid pressure. Even minor injuries should be checked by a specialist, especially if vision changes occur.
- Photokeratitis (UV burn): Symptoms include eye pain, redness, swelling, light sensitivity and the feeling of sand in the eye. Move to a dark indoor space, rest with eyes closed, and use a cold compress. Medical consultation is strongly recommended.
Dr. Kanellopoulos emphasizes prevention: always wear high-quality sunglasses on land and protective sports goggles in the water. Pay extra attention during August, when strong winds can carry sand, dust, or smoke into the eyes. Staying hydrated also helps, as tears form a natural protective barrier.
Bottom line: Summer eye injuries are common but largely preventable. With simple precautions and prompt first aid, you can enjoy the sun and sea without risking your vision.
