Status: 03.08.2023, 09:41 a.m.
By: Juliane Gutmann
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A holiday by the sea is good for the soul – but our eyes suffer if they are not adequately protected. Pool water can even promote infections.
Quite a few describe their eyes as the most important sensory organ. But there are a number of diseases that endanger eyesight. For example, glaucoma or diabetes mellitus can lead to blindness if no treatment is given. Infections can also cause blindness if they are not treated.
In summer, the risk of dangerous pathogens entering the eye increases. The reason for this is the many influences that affect the eye during the hot season. Sunlight, chemical compounds in pool water, sunscreen, sand, etc: all this favors irritated and reddened eyes, which are more susceptible to pathogens.
The right sunglasses are immensely important
The Eye Foundation of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG) recommends various rules of conduct to protect the eyes in summer.
In summer, it's not just the skin that needs to be protected from UV radiation – the eyes can also be damaged. © Ashley Corbin Pond/Imago
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Experts from the Eye Foundation recommend above all protecting the eyes by wearing sunglasses or swimming goggles, according to a press release from the foundation. The problem is that an excess of UV radiation can lead to permanent damage. Clouding of the lens and cataracts are possible consequences. "We therefore strongly recommend that you protect your eyes and wear sunglasses with the "UV-Schutz 400" label," says Professor Dr. med. Frank G. Holz, Chairman of the Eye Foundation and Director of the Eye Clinic at the University of Bonn, quoted in the press release.
"This indication on the glasses indicates that the lenses almost completely filter out short-wave UV radiation down to 400 nanometers. The CE mark also identifies eyewear that offers effective sun protection in accordance with applicable EU directives," Holz continues.
Trichloramine is also a potentially eye-hazardous substance. Pool water with trichloramine, but also lake or sea water, washes out the naturally protective tear film of the eye and irritates the eye. This makes it easier for germs and pathogens to penetrate the cornea and cause an infection, informs the Eye Foundation. Trichloramine "is formed by the reaction of chlorine with organic compounds, such as urea, which is found in urine and sweat. Trichloramine is perceived as a typical chlorine smell and irritates the conjunctiva of the eye," says Professor Dr. med. Gerd Geerling, Media Spokesman of the Eye Foundation and Director of the University Eye Clinic Düsseldorf. Rinsing with tap water and applying eye drops alleviate the symptoms.
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General tips from the Eye Foundation to protect your eyes in summer:
- Wear sunglasses with "UV protection 400" and CE mark. Also, choose large sunglasses, which protect the eye from all sides.
- Wear well-fitting swimming goggles in the water.
- It is best to wash irritated eyes with clean water and use wetting, over-the-counter eye drops to alleviate the symptoms.
- In the case of small foreign bodies such as insects, sand or sunscreen, do not rub your eyes and rinse them with clear water.
- If the eye problems persist for more than 24 hours, you should go to the ophthalmologist.
This article contains only general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It is in no way a substitute for a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, individual questions about clinical pictures may not be answered by our editors.