Call Us Now: (765) 742-1955
Blog Layout
Spring Break Focus: Eye Safety Tips for the Pool
The weather is warming up, and spring break is here! As you travel to the hottest vacation spots, a dip in the pool can provide fun for the whole family. But the sun and water can pose threats to your eye health. Fortunately, there are a few easy things you can do to keep your eyes healthy this spring and summer.
Protect your (and your kiddo’s) eyes when you have fun in the sun with these eye safety tips for the pool!
1. Wear goggles in the water.
Most people think chlorine is what causes your eyes to burn and sting when you open them in the pool, but it’s actually the combination of chlorine and debris that’s contaminating the water (even after chlorine is added to the pool).
While irritation from this combination is usually temporary, it can still be uncomfortable and hard on your eyes. Wearing goggles in the pool can help protect your vision from any discomfort or damage. Make sure your kids wear goggles, too!
2. Take out your contacts before you swim.
Contact lenses are convenient, but they should be left at home when you head to the pool. Soft contact lenses can shrink in water, which can make them uncomfortable. Not to mention, they tighten around the cornea and can damage your eye.
Infection can also occur when you wear contacts in the pool. Unfortunately, chlorine can still leave some microorganisms floating in the pool. These can get trapped between your contact lens and your eye. This can cause infections like acanthamoeba, which can result in permanent vision impairment. To avoid this, simply take out your contacts before swimming!
3. Wear sunglasses poolside.
Sitting in the sun, especially near the glare from the pool, can be damaging to the eyes. UV exposure
can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration, and a variety of other eye problems. Kids are especially at risk for sun damage to their eyes, so it’s important to encourage them to wear sunglasses and hats.
A quick, stylish solution to sun exposure is a pair of shades! Choose sunglasses for the whole family that protect from UVA and UVB rays. These will provide the proper protection from sun damage and don’t have to cost an arm and a leg.
4. Visit your optometrist.
Are you unsure what you need to do to prioritize eye health for your family? An optometrist (eye doctor) is great for helping you find sunglasses, especially if you need a prescription to see clearly.
He or she can also answer questions about goggles, prescription goggles, and when it’s okay to use contacts. Your optometrist can also give you advice on how to help your children protect their eyes from the pool and sun.
You can protect you and your family’s eye health this spring break by following these quick tips and making an appointment with your optometrist.
Dr. Steven C. Mather 1401 Union Street Lafayette, Indiana 47904 765.742.1955 Dear Esteemed Patients, After 43 years of dedicated service, it is with mixed emotions that I announce my retirement from my medical practice as of March 9th. It has been an incredible journey, one that I have cherished every moment of, and I am looking forward to spending more time on my new title of Grandpa. Our practice has rich history that dates back to 1946 with Dr. Peterson and in 1959 my uncle, Dr. Robert Mather, succeeded him. I was overjoyed to continue his legacy when I took over the practice in 1989. Over the years, we have built strong relations with our patients, and for that, we are profoundly grateful. Your loyalty and trust have been the driving force behind our success, and we cannot thank you enough for allowing us to be part of your lives for the past 78 years. I am thrilled to inform you that I have chosen to entrust the future of our practice to our friends at Norman and Miller Eyecare. They bring with them a wealth of knowledge, skill, and compassion, ensuring that you will continue to receive the highest quality of care. As I embark on this new chapter of my life, I do so with deep sense of gratitude and appreciation for each and every one of you. While I will miss seeing your familiar faces in the office, I am confident that you will be in excellent hands with Norman and Miller Eyecare. Please join me in welcoming them to our practice and continuing to entrust them with your healthcare needs. They share our commitment to providing personalized, compassionate care, and I am confident that they will uphold the legacy that we have worked so hard to build. They will continue to serve you at our 1401 Union Street location, however, if there is a location more convenient to you, your records will be available at all Norman and Miller Eyecare locations. Thank you once again for your trust and support over the years. It has been an honor and privilege to serve you, and I look forward to watching our practice flourish under the new leadership. With Warm Regards,
Getting kids to wear glasses can be difficult, but our quick tips make it easier. From making sure their glasses fit to finding cool frames, we can help!
There are many common eye care misconceptions that float around today, usually stemming from outdated research. Learn the truth about protecting your eyes and keeping them healthy!