Arizona summers mean all-day sunshine, triple-digit temperatures, dusty monsoon winds, and plenty of time spent cooling off in the pool. While you may remember to wear sunscreen and drink more water, protecting your eyes deserves the same attention.
The combination of intense sunlight, dry air, and seasonal allergens can leave your eyes feeling irritated, tired, or unusually sensitive. Some summer conditions can also increase the risk of eye injuries and long-term vision problems. If you’re experiencing persistent irritation, dryness, or changes in your vision, schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center to ensure your eyes are healthy and protected.
In the meantime, these 10 summer eye care tips can help you keep your eyes comfortable and protect your vision throughout Arizona’s hottest months.
1. Wear Sunglasses That Block 100% of UV Rays
Sunglasses do more than make bright summer days comfortable. They protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can damage the cornea, lens, and other eye tissues.
Long-term UV exposure is associated with an increased risk of cataracts and certain other eye conditions. That’s why wearing sunglasses is an important habit, even when you’re only outside for a short period.
Look for sunglasses that:
- Offer 100% UVA and UVB protection or are labeled UV400.
- Fit comfortably and provide eye coverage.
- Have polarized lenses if you frequently experience glare while driving or spending time near water.
- Can be paired with a wide-brimmed hat for additional protection.
Note: Darker lenses do not necessarily provide better UV protection. Check the label rather than judging sunglasses by their tint.
2. Keep Dry Eyes Comfortable in Arizona’s Heat
If your eyes burn, sting, water excessively, or feel gritty during the summer, Arizona’s dry climate may be contributing to your symptoms.
Heat, wind, low humidity, and air conditioning can increase tear evaporation, making existing dry eyes feel worse. Spending hours in front of screens can also contribute to discomfort because people tend to blink less frequently when concentrating.
To help manage summer dryness:
- Use lubricating eye drops or artificial tears recommended by your eye doctor.
- Avoid directing car or home air-conditioning vents toward your face.
- Take regular breaks from screens and remember to blink.
- Wear wraparound sunglasses when spending time in windy conditions.
- Drink enough water throughout the day.
If dryness persists despite using artificial tears, there may be an underlying condition affecting your tear production or quality.
Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center offers dry eye treatment in Arizona to help identify the cause of ongoing symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment. Schedule an eye exam by calling (602) 955-1000 or book online.
3. Never Swim While Wearing Contact Lenses
Jumping into the pool is one of the easiest ways to escape the Arizona heat, but wearing contact lenses while swimming can put your eyes at risk.
Swimming pools, lakes, and hot tubs may contain microorganisms that can become trapped between a contact lens and the eye’s surface. In some cases, this can cause a serious corneal infection.
For better contact lens safety during summer:
- Remove contact lenses before swimming or entering a hot tub.
- Consider prescription swim goggles if you need vision correction in the water.
- Never clean or store contact lenses in tap water.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and dry them before handling lenses.
- Follow the cleaning and replacement instructions provided by your optometrist or eye doctor.
Visit an optical center at a participating Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center location to explore prescription eyewear, UV-protective sunglasses, and options that fit your lifestyle.
If you develop eye pain, redness, or blurred vision after swimming while wearing contacts, remove the lenses and seek prompt medical attention. See more safety suggestions from the CDC > Preventing Eye Infections From Wearing Contacts
4. Know the Difference Between Eye Allergies and Dry Eyes
Summer dust, pollen, and other airborne irritants can trigger eye allergies, especially during windy weather and Arizona’s monsoon season.
Eye allergies and dry eye disease share several symptoms, including redness, watering, and irritation. However, the treatments can be different.
Eye allergies commonly cause itching, redness, and watery eyes. Dry eyes are more likely to cause burning, grittiness, fluctuating blurry vision, or a sensation that something is stuck in your eye.
To reduce irritation:
- Avoid rubbing your eyes, even when they itch.
- Apply a cool compress to closed eyelids for temporary relief.
- Keep windows closed when dust or pollen levels are elevated.
- Avoid frequent use of redness-relief eye drops without medical guidance.
- Ask your eye doctor whether allergy eye drops or lubricating drops are more appropriate.
Persistent irritation shouldn’t automatically be blamed on seasonal allergies. An eye exam can help determine what’s causing the discomfort.
5. Protect Your Eyes During Outdoor Activities
Summer eye safety extends beyond sunglasses. Yardwork, home improvement projects, sports, and recreational activities can expose your eyes to flying debris and increase the risk of accidental injury. When mowing the lawn, trimming trees, or using power tools, wear impact-rated protective eyewear designed for the activity.
Sports such as pickleball, baseball, and racquetball can also cause eye injuries. Regular sunglasses and everyday prescription glasses generally aren’t substitutes for properly rated sports protection.
Arizona’s monsoon winds can carry dust and debris into the eyes. If blowing dust becomes severe, move indoors when possible rather than continuing outdoor activities.
6. Support Eye Health With the Right Foods and Vitamins
Your diet is another way to support healthy vision year-round.
Leafy greens, colorful vegetables, fruits, nuts, and fish contain nutrients that play important roles in maintaining eye health.
Some examples include:
- Vitamin A: Found in carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens; supports normal vision.
- Vitamin C: Found in citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers; contributes to healthy tissue function.
- Vitamin E: Found in almonds, sunflower seeds, and other nuts and seeds.
- Lutein and zeaxanthin: Found in spinach, kale, and other leafy vegetables.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in salmon and other fatty fish.
While certain eye vitamins may benefit people with specific eye conditions, supplements are not a replacement for a balanced diet or regular eye examinations. No vitamin has been proven to reverse cataracts.
Speak with your eye doctor before starting supplements specifically for eye health, particularly if you have an existing condition.
7. Don’t Ignore Changes in Your Vision
It’s easy to blame blurry vision on summer heat, allergies, or fatigue. However, not every vision change is caused by the environment.
Cloudy vision, increased glare, difficulty seeing at night, and faded colors can be symptoms of cataracts.
A cataract develops when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy. Although cataracts are commonly associated with aging, other factors, including cumulative UV exposure, can contribute to their development.
Cataract surgery may become an option when cloudy vision begins interfering with activities such as reading, driving, or enjoying outdoor hobbies. During the procedure, the clouded natural lens is replaced with a clear artificial lens.
Sudden vision loss, new flashes of light, or a sudden increase in floaters should never be dismissed as ordinary summer irritation. These symptoms require urgent evaluation.
8. Choose Eye Drops Carefully
Not all eye drops treat the same problem. During summer, you may reach for drops to relieve dryness, redness, or itching. However, using the wrong type can leave the underlying issue untreated.
Common types of eye drops include:
- Artificial tears: Help lubricate the eyes and relieve temporary dryness.
- Allergy eye drops: May help reduce itching and other symptoms caused by allergic reactions.
- Prescription eye drops: Treat specific medical conditions and should be used as directed by your eye doctor.
If you use artificial tears frequently, preservative-free options may be more comfortable for some people.
Also, never share eye drops, and avoid touching the bottle tip to your eye or eyelashes.
9. Give Your Eyes a Break From Screens
When Arizona temperatures climb, spending more time indoors often means spending more time on phones, computers, and televisions.
Extended screen time can contribute to digital eye strain, which may cause temporary blurry vision, headaches, tired eyes, and dryness.
Try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something approximately 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
You can also reduce discomfort by adjusting screen brightness, minimizing glare, keeping your monitor at a comfortable distance, and blinking regularly.
10. Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam
One of the most important summer eye care tips is also one of the easiest to overlook: keeping up with regular eye examinations.
A comprehensive eye exam does more than check whether you need glasses. Depending on your needs, an optometrist or ophthalmologist may evaluate your eye health and look for signs of conditions such as:
Some eye diseases can develop without noticeable symptoms in their early stages. Regular examinations can help identify changes before they significantly affect vision. How often you need an eye exam depends on factors such as your age, medical history, symptoms, and individual risk. Schedule an eye exam by calling (602) 955-1000 or book online.
Enjoy the Arizona Summer Without Neglecting Your Eye Health
Summer should be about enjoying the sunshine, not dealing with constant eye irritation or preventable injuries. Small habits like wearing UV-protective sunglasses, keeping contact lenses out of swimming pools, choosing appropriate eye drops, and managing dry eye symptoms can make a meaningful difference in your comfort and long-term eye health.
At Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center, our eye care team helps Arizonans protect their vision through comprehensive eye examinations, medical eye care, and specialized treatment for conditions such as keratoconus and macular hole. Schedule an eye exam by calling (602) 955-1000 or book online.