With beautiful weather outside and the kids out of school, there’s no better time to hit the beach and enjoy some fun in the sun. It’s the perfect place to lay out and relax, have a picnic, play games, and even take a refreshing swim in the water. Sure, it all sounds great, but it’s important to not forget about protecting both your skin and your eyes from all of that sunshine. The glare, UV rays and even items that are present in the water can cause damage to your sight if you leave your eyes exposed and unprotected. Before you gear up for that day at the beach, here are some tips on how to protect your eyes from any damage.

Remove Your Contacts

Before taking a plunge, remember to remove your contact lenses. Contacts can easily trap germs and become contaminated by harmful bacteria that can be found in the water. This can lead to nasty eye infections and other health conditions if not properly avoided. If you need contacts when swimming, talk to your eye care professional about the options available to you, such as prescription goggles.

Wear Protective Goggles

Swimming goggles are the best way to protect your eyes when in the water. Plus, they allow you to see clearly when underwater and help you avoid obstacles when swimming.

Avoid Touching Your Eyes

Sand at the beach tends to get everywhere and often gets stuck on to your body and hands. Touching and rubbing your eyes with sand will not only sting, but cause painful irritation for hours afterward. Keep some wet naps handy when you’re heading to the beach, and rinse off sand from your hands frequently.

Put on Your Sunglasses

The UV rays can cause severe damage to your eyes if not protected. Wearing a good pair of sunglasses with proper UV protection will keep your eyes in good condition. Also, it helps shield your eyes from blowing sand.

Wear Sport Goggles

If you normally wear glasses or contacts, be sure to switch to a pair of sport goggles when you get to the beach. That way when you want to engage in volleyball, beach soccer, or any other fun filled games, your eyes will be protected from flying objects and other hazards. Many also come with built in UV protection and will act as both goggles and sunglasses.

The beach can be loads of fun for the whole family. But if you forget to bring eye protection it could end up being a regretful experience. When planning for some fun in the sun, always remember to pack sunglasses and goggles for the whole family.