During the summer, many people spend their time relaxing outdoors, traveling, or engaging in active leisure activities. It is also the time of year when ophthalmologists notice a significant increase in the number of patients suffering from various eye injuries. Sand at the beach, water activities, gardening, and outdoor sports can lead not only to enjoyable experiences but also to serious health problems.
According to Dr Ieva Sabonaitienė, an ophthalmologist at the Lirema Eye Clinic, some eye injuries can result not only in temporary discomfort but also in long-term vision problems.
“Most eye injuries can be prevented by following basic safety measures. However, during the summer, people tend to relax and underestimate the risks that may be present at the beach, in the garden, or while enjoying active leisure activities,” says Dr Sabonaitienė.
Beaches and Water Activities
Some of the most common summer eye injuries are associated with spending time near water. Strong winds at beaches often lift sand particles into the air, which can enter the eyes and damage the surface of the cornea.
“In such cases, people experience sharp pain, irritation, redness, and excessive tearing. The natural reaction is to rub the eye, but this can cause even more damage. Tiny grains of sand rubbing against the cornea may lead to scratches that can later develop into infections,” explains Dr Sabonaitienė.
Swimming in pools, lakes, or the sea can also pose risks, as the water is not always as clean as it appears.
“Natural bodies of water contain numerous bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can cause eye infections. The risk is even higher for contact lens wearers, which is why swimming without contact lenses is recommended,” warns the ophthalmologist.
According to her, people who enjoy water sports should use protective eyewear.
“While riding a jet ski, sailing, or diving, the eyes may be injured by water pressure, small particles, or even unexpected impacts,” says Dr Sabonaitienė.
Gardening and Active Leisure Activities: Common Causes of Serious Injuries
During the summer, people spend more time gardening, landscaping, and carrying out various home improvement projects.
“We see patients who injure their eyes while mowing the lawn, using string trimmers, or operating other mechanical tools when stones, twigs, metal fragments, or wood particles strike the eye. These injuries are often far more serious than they initially appear,” says Dr Sabonaitienė.
According to the specialist, a person may feel only minor discomfort, while a foreign body or a deep injury may still be present inside the eye.
“If medical attention is not sought promptly, an infection may develop or more serious vision problems may arise. Therefore, when working with mechanical tools, safety glasses should be considered just as essential as work gloves,” she emphasizes.
Summer also brings an increase in injuries sustained while cycling, riding e-scooters, playing football, tennis, and other sports.
“A ball, sports equipment, or even another person’s hand can strike the eye. Such impacts may cause not only superficial injuries but also internal bleeding, retinal damage, or other serious conditions requiring urgent treatment,” warns Dr Sabonaitienė.
Warning Signs Not to Ignore
Although some eye injuries heal without serious consequences, it is important to recognize the symptoms that require immediate medical attention.
“Dangerous symptoms include sudden vision loss or deterioration, severe pain, bleeding inside the eye, double vision, significant sensitivity to light, or a persistent sensation of a foreign body in the eye. In such cases, self-treatment is not advisable,” says Dr Sabonaitienė.
Particular attention should be paid to chemical eye burns caused by cleaning products, fertilizers, disinfectants, or other chemicals entering the eye.
“In such situations, the most important thing is to start flushing the eye immediately with a large amount of clean water. This should be done for at least 15–20 minutes, followed by an urgent visit to a healthcare facility,” advises the ophthalmologist.
The good news, according to Dr Sabonaitienė, is that most summer eye injuries can be prevented by using appropriate protective equipment, wearing safety glasses, and avoiding rubbing the eyes with dirty hands.
“The holiday season should be a time for relaxation and positive experiences. Taking care of your eye safety can help prevent unpleasant incidents. Even a minor injury can sometimes have long-term consequences, so symptoms should never be ignored, and professional medical advice should be sought whenever there is any doubt,” concludes Dr Ieva Sabonaitienė.