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Out of sight, out of mind. This old saying illustrates the importance of one of the organs that receives most outside information and best helps us to get through life. But eyes are particularly defenseless against accidents. This is because they need direct contact with reality in order to perceive it and because an eye injury is not usually life-threatening.

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Sunglasses
Protecting your eyes from the dangers that threaten them is critical, and even more so in summer because the threats grow in number and intensity at this time of year. The first aggressor is the sun. UVA rays can burn the cornea and cause blindness. The best way to avoid this is with good sunglasses that are certified and have a filter designed to block this kind of solar radiation. It is best to turn to a professional and leave flea markets
for other kinds of purchases. If a certain frame is particularly appealing, you can buy the glasses and replace the lenses with ones that are certified and come from an optician.

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If you are going to wear the glasses while spending time in the mountains, which is common in summer, it is best they be light and filter out at least 85 percent of the sun's radiation. They should also have lateral protection and unbreakable lenses that don't scratch. Snug-fitting sidepieces will keep the glasses from falling off or getting lost.

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If you opt for nautical sports in the ocean or a swimming pool, it is also a good idea to protect your eyes. Chlorine tends to irritate them, causing conjunctivitis and although sea water is less damaging, it, too, can give you problems. Glasses or goggles are also helpful if you are playing with small balls. Getting hit in the eye with one can cause serious damage.

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Solar filters
Sunbathing without protection is dangerously careless. But even if you use lotions and creams with a high protection factor, you will probably forget about your eyelids. Their skin is very delicate and needs to be protected from the sun. So it is a good idea to use products designed specifically for this purpose. They are sold in pharmacies. Another way to protect your eyes and eyelids is to wear a cap with a visor.�

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Another thing to be careful about is your contact lenses. It is common for people to wear their glasses to the beach and leave their contact lenses in a carrying case. But watch where you store that case because excessive heat can damage and contaminate the lenses, and once in contact with the eyes the lenses can be a source of cornea infection. People who wear contact lenses also suffer when the air is dry, and will notice that their eyes don't have the necessary moisture. In these cases, just like when you spend a lot of time in an air conditioned room, it is best to use artificial tears.�

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Minor eye accidents
When people are on vacation, they tend to spend time in the countryside and exercise�-often forgotten during the winter months- becomes more appealing. These leisure activities can lead to eye injuries, almost always minor. But you still have to know how to deal with them. If you get dirt or sand in your eye, it is best to wash them with lots of water for at least 10 minutes. If a larger object gets stuck in your eye, you can try to remove it with sterilized gauze or a clean cloth, taking special care. It is normal for the eye to be slightly irriated, but
if the discomfort persists, see a doctor. If the eye suffers a contusion, wash it without opening it, cover it with a cold towel and go to a hospital if the pain persists.��

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