Nine Ways to Protect Your Eyes This Summer
May 16, 2025Summer in Alberta brings long days, bright sunshine, and plenty of time outdoors—but it also introduces unique risks to your eye health. From intense UV exposure to increased risk of eye infections, it’s important to take proactive steps to protect your vision during the warmer months.
May is also Sun Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to learn how to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and other seasonal hazards. Here are nine helpful tips to keep your eyes safe and healthy this summer.
1. Choose the Right Safety Eyewear
Whether you’re on a job site, landscaping in your garden, or enjoying recreational activities, your eyes need protection from more than just the sun. Safety eyewear compliant to Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Regulations offer the best protection.
Eyesafe™ can be your partner in developing a prescription safety eyewear program that meets the individual needs and hazards of your workplace. Our optometrists and their staff are trained to measure and fit safety eyewear for comfort and safety. Email us at director@eyesafe.ca to learn more.
2. Consider Prescription Safety Glasses Instead of Contacts
Hot, dry air and increased outdoor allergens can irritate eyes and make contact lenses uncomfortable, increasing the chances of work injuries. Prescription safety glasses offer a safer, more comfortable alternative, especially in dusty or windy conditions. They also make it easier to apply lubricating drops when needed.
If you must wear contacts, keep them clean and hydrated.
3. Manage Dry Eye
Summer heat and air conditions can dry out your eyes, especially if you spend long hours outdoors or in vehicles. Dry eye is uncomfortable, and if untreated can affect your visual performance and even cause long-term damage to your delicate eye tissue.
Use preservative-free artificial tears to keep your eyes moist, and wear wraparound safety eyewear or sunglasses to reduce wind exposure.
If dry eye symptoms persist, consult your optometrist. Alberta Health offers coverage for medically necessary eye exams, including those for chronic dry eye.*
*Confirm with your optometrist’s office that the appointment has coverage when booking.
4. Prevent Fogging on Glasses
Sweat and humidity can cause your lenses to fog up, especially when moving between air-conditioned spaces and the outdoors. This can be a safety hazard in both work and recreational settings.
To reduce fogging:
- Keep lenses clean.
- Use anti-fog coatings on lenses.*
- Use anti-fog spray, anti-fog gels, or anti-fog wipes.
- Choose eyewear with proper ventilation.
- Avoid wiping fogged lenses with clothing, which can scratch them.
*In accordance with CSA Z94.3 – 2015, anti-fog coatings are not approved in Alberta. However, Eyesafe™ has special approval to provide this coating, as we have tested it to meet impact standards.
5. Protect Against UV Exposure
UV rays are strongest in summer and can cause long-term damage to your eyes, including photokeratitis (sunburn of the eye) and cataracts. UV exposure is especially intense at high altitudes and near reflective surfaces like water or sand.
Wear UV-protective sunglasses or safety eyewear when needed to shield your eyes.*
*Consult your Eyesafe contact to determine the best tints and lens coating options for the individual needs and hazards of your workplace. Email us at director@eyesafe.ca to learn more.
6. Be Mindful of Summer Glare
Glare from water, pavement, and glass can impair vision and increase eye strain. This is especially dangerous while driving or operating machinery.
To reduce glare:
- Keep windshields and windows clean.
- Consider polarized lenses or appropriate tints.
- Discuss lens options with your optometrist or employer to find the best solution for your work environment*
*Consult your Eyesafe contact to determine the best tints and lens coating options for the individual needs and hazards of your workplace. Email us at director@eyesafe.ca to learn more.
7. Properly Store Safety Eyewear
High temperatures can warp frames and damage lens coatings. Never leave your safety eyewear in a hot vehicle or direct sunlight for extended periods. Store them in a protective case when not in use.
Inspect your safety eyewear daily for cracks, scratches, or signs of wear. Replace damaged eyewear immediately to ensure your eyes remain protected.
8. Maintain Good Eye Hygiene
Summer activities like swimming and camping increase the risk of eye injuries or eye infections such as conjunctivitis.
- Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, especially with unwashed hands.
- Maintain a safe distance from camp fires to avoid sparks.
- Consider using goggles for swimming to protect eyes from chemicals or water-born infections.
If you experience redness, itching, or discharge, see your optometrist promptly. They can diagnose and treat infections, often with same-day appointments. Alberta Health offers coverage for urgent care and medically necessary eye exams, including those for chronic red eye and injuries .*
*Confirm with your optometrist’s office that the appointment has coverage when booking.
9. Get an Annual Eye Exam
Many eye conditions develop without early symptoms. A yearly eye exam helps detect issues before they become serious and ensures your vision stays sharp through the summer and beyond.
Prioritize Eye Safety This Summer
From UV protection to proper hygiene and eyewear maintenance, summer eye safety is all about being proactive. With the right precautions, you can enjoy the season while keeping your eyes health and protected.
Modern safety eyewear offers a wide range of lens types, coatings, and tints to suit any environment. Learn more about specialty lenses. Consult your Eyesafe™ contact to determine the best tints and lens coating options for the individual needs and hazards of your workplace. Email us at director@eyesafe.ca to learn more.
