Summer on Vancouver Island means beach days, camping, boating, hiking, and long sunny afternoons outside. It is great for your mood, but it can be tough on your eyes. Sun, wind, saltwater, sand, air conditioning, and long travel days can all cause irritation. For contact lens wearers, summer can also bring a few extra risks.
Here are simple summer eye care tips to help protect your eyes in Courtenay, the Comox Valley, and anywhere your summer plans take you.
Wear Sunglasses That Block UV Rays
Sunglasses are more than a summer accessory. They help protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays, also called UV rays. Too much UV exposure can increase your risk of eye problems over time. It can also make your eyes feel tired, dry, and sensitive to light.
When choosing sunglasses, look for lenses that offer:
- 100% UVA and UVB protection
- A comfortable fit
- Good coverage around the eyes
- Clear vision without distortion
Bigger frames or wraparound styles can help block sunlight from the sides too. This is helpful for driving, boating, fishing, walking along the beach, or spending time on the water.
At SmartEyes in Courtenay, we can help you choose prescription sunglasses that protect your eyes and match your everyday vision needs.
Polarized vs Regular Sunglasses
Regular sunglasses reduce brightness. Polarized sunglasses reduce glare. That glare can be especially strong when sunlight reflects off water, wet roads, sand, car windshields, and pavement. Around the Comox Valley, this matters if you spend time driving, boating, paddleboarding, fishing, or walking near the ocean.
Polarized lenses can make outdoor vision feel clearer and more comfortable. They are not required for everyone, but many people notice a big difference in bright summer conditions. For more details, read our blog on polarized vs regular sunglasses.
Protect Your Eyes From Dryness
Summer can dry out your eyes more than you might expect. Wind, sun, smoke, dust, fans, and air conditioning can all make tears evaporate faster. This can leave your eyes feeling gritty, tired, watery, or irritated. Common dry eye symptoms include:
- Burning
- Stinging
- Redness
- Watery eyes
- A sandy feeling
- Blurry vision that comes and goes
- Discomfort with contact lenses
To help prevent dry eyes in summer, wear sunglasses outside, take breaks from fans or direct air conditioning, and drink water throughout the day.
If your eyes often feel dry or irritated, an eye exam can help find out what is causing it. Dry eyes are common, but they can usually be managed with the right care.
Be Careful Swimming With Contact Lenses
Swimming with contact lenses is not recommended. Water from pools, lakes, rivers, hot tubs, and the ocean can carry germs that may stick to contact lenses. This can raise the risk of eye irritation or infection.
Try to avoid wearing contacts while swimming. If you need vision correction in the water, ask about prescription swim goggles.
If you do wear contacts near water:
- Do not open your eyes underwater
- Avoid hot tubs while wearing contacts
- Use fresh lenses after swimming, if you wear daily contacts
- Never rinse contacts with tap water
- Never store contacts in anything other than contact lens solution
If your eyes become red, painful, light-sensitive, or blurry after swimming with contacts, book an eye exam as soon as possible.
Watch Out for Sand, Saltwater, and Eye Irritation
Beach days are fun, but sand and saltwater can irritate your eyes.
Sand can scratch the surface of the eye if you rub it in. Saltwater can sting and leave your eyes feeling dry or gritty.
If sand or debris gets in your eye, avoid rubbing. Try blinking, using clean artificial tears, or rinsing with sterile saline if you have it.
Book an eye exam if you have:
- Ongoing pain
- Redness that does not settle
- Blurry vision
- Light sensitivity
- A feeling that something is stuck in your eye
Small eye irritations can sometimes turn into bigger problems if they are ignored.
Do Not Forget Kids’ Eye Protection
Kids need sun protection for their eyes too.
Children often spend long hours outside in the summer. Their eyes can be sensitive to bright sunlight, especially at the beach, park, pool, or sports field.
Look for kids’ sunglasses that offer 100% UVA and UVB protection. A hat with a brim can also help reduce sun exposure.
For younger kids, comfort matters. Sunglasses that fit well are more likely to stay on. Flexible frames, straps, and lightweight lenses can make a big difference.
If your child already wears glasses, prescription sunglasses may be a good option for summer.
Pack Eye Care Items for Summer Travel
Whether you are heading up-Island, camping near Comox Lake, visiting family, or flying somewhere warm, it helps to pack a few eye care basics.
Good items to bring include:
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Backup glasses
- Contact lens solution
- Extra contact lenses
- Artificial tears
- A glasses cleaning cloth
- A glasses case
- Prescription sunglasses, if you have them
Contact lens wearers should always bring backup glasses. If your eyes get dry, irritated, or exposed to water, you may need to take your contacts out.
Take Screen Breaks on Travel Days
Summer travel can still mean a lot of screen time.
Long drives, flights, ferries, and lazy evenings can lead to extra time on phones, tablets, and laptops. Screens can make you blink less, which may make dry eyes worse.
Try the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look about 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
It is a simple habit, but it can help your eyes feel more relaxed during long screen sessions.
When to Book an Eye Exam Before Summer
A pre-summer eye exam is a good idea if your prescription feels out of date, your glasses are scratched, or your contact lenses are uncomfortable.
It is also smart to book before summer if you need:
- New glasses
- Prescription sunglasses
- Contact lenses for travel
- Safety glasses for outdoor work
- An updated prescription
- Help with dry eyes
At SmartEyes, we offer eye exams in Courtenay for kids, adults, and seniors. We also have an on-site 1-hour lab for many glasses, which can help when you need eyewear quickly.
When to Book an Eye Exam After Summer
You should book an eye exam after summer if your eyes still feel irritated once the season slows down.
This is especially important if you notice:
- Ongoing redness
- Dryness
- Blurry vision
- Eye pain
- Light sensitivity
- Headaches
- Trouble wearing contact lenses
- Vision changes
Do not wait for symptoms to become severe. Eye exams can catch small issues early and help keep your vision comfortable.
Summer Eye Care in Courtenay and the Comox Valley
Summer should be about enjoying the outdoors, not dealing with sore, tired eyes.
A few simple habits can help. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses, be careful with contacts around water, protect kids’ eyes, and get your glasses or prescription checked when something feels off.
For eye exams, prescription sunglasses, contact lenses, and glasses in Courtenay, visit SmartEyes. Our local team helps people across the Comox Valley find eyewear that fits their life, their budget, and their summer plans.
