In the summer, the sun is intense, and most people spend more time outside. All that sunshine and time outside can be tough on your eyes if you don't take the time to protect your eyes. There are lots of ways that you can protect and take care of your eyes this summer.

1. Wear the Right Sunglasses

When you go outside in the summer, you should have your sunglasses on. However, if you really want to protect your eyes, you need to make sure that you are wearing the correct sunglasses.  You need to make sure that you are wearing sunglasses that are designed to provide as close to 100% protection as possible against both UVA and UVB rays.

Many inexpensive sunglasses only provide protection against one type of ray instead of both. Make sure any sunglasses that you choose provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays, and put on your sunglasses even when it is cloudy outside.

2. Invest in Some Goggles

When you go swimming at the pool, if you plan on going under the water at all, make sure that you bring some goggles with you. The chlorine that protects you from germs can be really harsh on your eyes, and goggles can protect your eyes from this harsh chemical. Wearing goggles is extremely important if you spend lots of time in the pool as long-term exposure to chlorine can have a negative impact on your corneal epithelium, which protects your cornea from irritants.

If you like to swim in lakes, rivers, or oceans, it is also a smart idea to wear goggles. Although you will not find chlorine in these bodies of water, you'll encounter other irritants that can damage your eyes.

3. Put on a Hat

When you go outside in the summer, remember to bring a hat with you. Although sunglasses protect your eyes from UVA and UVB rays, they do not offer complete protection. Sunlight can still get in around the gaps in your glasses.

When you are going to be spending a lot of time outside, be sure to bring a hat. The shade protection that a hat provides will help further protect your eyes from exposure to the sun.

Additionally, hats protect the skin on your eyelids from getting burned and damaged. Your eyelids can develop skin cancer just like the other skin on your body. Hats are one of the best ways to protect your eyelids from the sun, as they are too close to your eyes to put sunscreen on them.

This summer, make sure that you wear sunglasses, put on a hat, and wear goggles when you get in the water. These simple steps will help provide your eyes with long-term protection. For more information on scheduling an eye exam, contact your local eye clinic.