Summer Eye Issues: When to See an Eye Doctor Near You
Sunkissed, Salty, and Squinting? Summer’s Not Always Easy on the Eyes
The days are longer, the sun is stronger, and whether you’re beach-bound, poolside, or just taking a road trip with the windows down, your eyes take on a surprising amount of summer stress. While summer can bring joy, it can also bring about a number of seasonal eye conditions that may need professional care.
From sunburned eyes to pool-related irritation and allergies, it’s important to know when your symptoms are more than a passing discomfort—and when it’s time to find an eye doctor near me. Here’s what to look out for and when to book an eye exam near me with an optometrist near me.
5 Common Summer Eye Conditions and When to See an Eye Doctor
1. Photokeratitis (A.K.A. Sunburn of the Eye)
While sunscreen protects your skin, your eyes need UV protection too. Photokeratitis occurs when UV rays damage the cornea, much like a sunburn.
- Symptoms: Pain, redness, a gritty sensation, watery eyes, light sensitivity, and blurred vision
- Prevention: Wear 100% UVA/UVB-blocking sunglasses (preferably wraparound or with side shields) and a wide-brimmed hat
- See an Eye Doctor Near Me: If discomfort lasts more than 24–48 hours, or if vision is affected
2. Dry Eye & Digital Eye Strain
Hot air, wind, and air conditioning can dry out the tear film, especially if you’re also spending time on screens indoors.
- Symptoms: Burning, itching, blurry vision, and a feeling of dryness or fatigue
- Solutions: Use lubricating eye drops, blink more frequently (especially when on screens), stay hydrated, and wear wraparound glasses to shield from wind
- See an Eye Exam Near Me: If over-the-counter solutions don’t help, you may need a customized treatment plan
3. Swimming & Contact Lens Safety
Water fun can bring bacteria, chlorine, and other irritants into contact with your eyes—especially risky if you wear contact lenses.
- Common Issues: “Swimmer’s eye,” red or itchy eyes, blurry vision, or infection from contaminated water
- Tips: Always wear swim goggles, rinse your eyes with clean water after swimming, and never wear contact lenses in pools, lakes, or oceans
- Visit an Optometrist Near Me: If you develop symptoms after swimming or wear lenses regularly, schedule a contact lens exam to assess safety and fit
4. Allergies & Seasonal Conjunctivitis
Pollen, grass, and dust levels rise in summer—and so do allergy symptoms.
- Symptoms: Itching, redness, tearing, puffy eyelids, and blurry vision
- Management: Use preservative-free antihistamine drops, wear sunglasses to block pollen, and keep windows closed during high pollen days
- Eye Doctor Near Me: If symptoms are intense, persistent, or interfering with daily life, an allergen-specific plan may be needed
5. Debris, Glare & UV Risks
Whether it’s sand on the beach or reflective glare from water or pavement, your eyes need protection.
- Concerns: Scratches from particles, light sensitivity, UV-related risks like cataracts or macular degeneration
- Protective Gear: Wear polarized sunglasses labeled “UV 400,” wide-brimmed hats, and consider safety glasses when working outside
- Find an Eye Exam Near Me: To ensure you’re using proper sun protection and detect early signs of damage
Top Summer Eye Care Tips at a Glance
To keep your vision clear and healthy all summer long, follow these easy-to-remember guidelines:
- 🕶️ Wear sunglasses labeled “100% UVA/UVB” or “UV 400”
- 💧 Use lubricating eye drops & stay hydrated
- 🏊 Avoid wearing contact lenses while swimming
- 🏖️ Flush eyes with clean water if exposed to sand or chemicals
- 👁️ See an eye doctor near me for persistent pain, blurry vision, or redness
- 🔍 Find an Eye Doctor Near You
Why SightMD Should Be Your First Stop for Summer Eye Concerns
Whether you’re managing allergies, worried about UV damage, or just due for your yearly check-up, SightMD is here to help. With convenient locations across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts, we provide expert care with summer in mind.
Our comprehensive services include:
- Summer eye exams to detect damage and irritation
- UV protection consultations and sunglasses checks
- Allergy testing and treatment tailored to your symptoms
- Contact lens fittings for safe seasonal use
📅 Book your summer eye exam near me with a SightMD eye doctor today—prevent issues before they start!
🔍 Looking for an optometrist near me or eye exam near me? Book today.
Frequently Asked Questions – Summer Eye Care
Yes. Overexposure to UV rays can cause photokeratitis. If pain or blurry vision lasts more than a day, consult an eye doctor.
Absolutely. UV rays still penetrate clouds and reflect off surfaces like water and sand.
Some lenses offer partial UV protection but don’t shield the entire eye. Always pair them with sunglasses.
Heat, wind, A/C, and dehydration cause faster tear evaporation. Use drops and hydrate often.
Chlorine strips your tear film, leading to irritation. Rinse eyes and use artificial tears post-swim.
Yes. Symptoms include redness, itchiness, and tearing. For severe cases, see an eye doctor near me.
If you experience ongoing pain, vision changes, or light sensitivity, seek professional care right away.
Yes. Repeated UV exposure increases the risk of cataracts and other eye diseases. Regular eye exams are crucial.
Wear sunglasses rated UV 400, add a wide-brimmed hat, and avoid peak UV hours (10 AM–4 PM).
If you’re experiencing discomfort or symptoms, book an exam. Even without symptoms, a yearly check-up is key.
