Tips For Summer Sun, Eyes and Caring for Your Contact Lenses
Blog Note: I wrote this 10 tips– Protecting your eyes from UV Rays + Daily Contact Routine review while participating in an influencer campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of HealthyWomen and VISTAKON® Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. and received a promotional item from Mom Central to thank me for taking the time to participate.
The Chief Blonde, pale by nature, always protects her skin from the sun. However, an umbrella, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat and for some UV blocking contacts* is the best sun protection for your eyes.
Top 10 tips for protecting your eyes from UV rays this summer
1. Wear a wide-brimmed hat. (Remember though hats only protect for UV rays from above! )
2. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses (Label should read 99% UV ray blockage)
3. Consider your sunglass shape choice carefully. Lenses should be large and wraparound like this:
4. Consider the sunglass lense color. Darker is better.
5. For some, wear UV-blocking contacts.* UV-blocking contacts are great when you may not have some of the other sunblocking aids handy. *Although UV-blocking contact lenses are beneficial in helping to protect against harmful UV rays entering into the eye, long-term clinical studies have not been done to show that they directly reduce the risk of any specific eye disease or condition. That is why they should always be worn in conjunction with high-quality UV-blocking sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
6. Use an umbrella, cabana or shelter when laying by the pool or on the beach
7. Be aware–Eyes get the the highest ultraviolet radiation exposures in the morning and mid-afternoon, because the brow is not protecting them.
8. Combine methods of eye-protection for best UV-blockage
9. Why protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays? ? A number of studies have shown sun exposure may increase your chances of developing eye problems, such as cataracts, later in life.
10. Consult your eye care professional for eye protection tips. For example, your eye care professional can advise about contact lenses that offer the highest levels of UV protection.
The Chief Blonde Remarks: I love the tips about UV blocking contacts and combining the methods for ultimate protection. I must admit I hate wearing sunglasses and often forget my hat on a daily basis, but I always wear my contacts. If I can get better about combining of UV-blocking methods, I think I my eyes will get a great deal more protection this summer. As a mother of four, I can pass this advice on to my children as well. For more information, on eye health visit
Basic Daily Contact Routine
The Chief Blonde Remarks: In our family 4 of the 6 family members wear contacts. I have always worn contacts out of vanity. I hate my thick heavy glasses. My two oldest sons choose contacts for sport reasons. My third son choose them for appearance and convenience. But do each of us take care of and wear our lenses properly? I would say a resounding NO! My eldest son frequently fell asleep in his, my second son would never remember to change his and my third son would do things like put them in his mouth to rewet them! GAHHH! I think the most difficult rule for all of us to remember on a daily basis was to clean them properly not just drop them in the solution at night.
Here’s a great routine to follow for from Healthywomen.org. I think the “wear” tip that I will try to get everyone on board with this summer is that contact lens and water don’t mix! Did you realize you shouldn’t wear your lenses while swimming or in a hot tub? I sure didn’t and I know my kids don’t know that either. The contact lens “care” tip that my family will be embracing is to clean your lens case properly. After removing contacts, empty the case of all solution and clean it by rinsing and rubbing it in an approved solution. Then wipe the case with a lint-free tissue and turn both caps and case upside down to let them air dry. I don’t do a good job of that at ALL!
What will you be doing this summer for your eyes?
That’s interesting about when the UV rays hit the strongest due to brows protecting them. I hadn’t thought about that. Today is Umbrella Day, and I like how you use an umbrella for shading. They work great at the beach or pool to help block the sun. I’m excited because we are supposed to have some sun finally. Hope your weather is sunny, too.