Summer is one of the times of the year that Peruvians most expect, but it is also the season where more diseases appear; Our eyes are not free from them. Both the change of climate and that of our daily routine make us prone to eye diseases that we can contract in spaces such as public swimming pools and even on the beach.
Being exposed to possibly contaminated and commonly used waters can cause allergic conjunctivitis, dry eyes and in the worst case, glaucoma. It is complicated to treat the latter disease because the medications cannot be exposed to a temperature higher than 25º C. Even light reflected on surfaces such as the sea could cause superficial damage to the retina.
Likewise, the increase in ultraviolet radiation this season makes us prone to fleshy eyes, macular degeneration and even cataracts. According to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that 20% of blindness is caused by constant exposure to UV rays. For this summer, SENAMHI predicted that the maximum radiation rate in Lima will increase to 14 points, exceeding «extremely high» levels.
If you want to take care of these diseases, we invite you to follow the following recommendations:
- Use sunglasses that have a UV filter certification. It is important to buy them in some specialized optics and not in another place of doubtful origin.
- If you are going to bathe in the sea or public swimming pools, do not forget to wear swimming glasses.
- If you wear contact lenses, take them off before entering the sea.
- Do not forget to bring an umbrella to the beach, so you are not in direct contact with the sun.
- Wash your hands when you get home to reduce the chances of contracting conjunctivitis. If you have this infection, avoid sharing towels or other personal items.