Heatwave episodes are becoming more frequent and intense each summer in France. While we instinctively think of hydrating and staying cool to protect our bodies, we often forget that our eyes are on the front line when facing high temperatures. Dryness, irritation, a burning sensation or feeling of grit: extreme heat damages the surface of our eyes and, in vulnerable individuals, can lead to more serious complications. Here's why, and most importantly, how to effectively protect your visual health this summer.
Why does heat dry out our eyes?
Our eyes are constantly covered by a tear film, a thin layer of tears that lubricates, nourishes, and protects the cornea from external aggressions. However, when the thermometer rises, tears evaporate much more quickly. Hot, dry air, often accompanied by wind, destabilizes this protective film, creating an ideal environment for dry eyes.
The symptoms are well known to those who suffer from it:
- sensation of sand or a foreign body in the eyes;
- stinging, burning, itching;
- red and irritated eyes;
- fluctuating vision, visual fatigue at the end of the day;
- paradoxically, reflex tearing.
If left untreated, persistent dry eyes can evolve into chronic inflammation, keratitis (corneal damage), and increased vulnerability to infections like conjunctivitis.
Dry eye syndrome, worsened by heatwaves
For the millions of French people already suffering from dry eye syndrome, heatwaves are a real ordeal: increased pain, amplified inflammation, hypersensitivity to light, and visual disturbances significantly worsen during these episodes.
Certain people are particularly exposed:
- seniors: with age, tears are produced in smaller quantities and their quality decreases, especially after 45-50 years old, an age when presbyopia also appears;
- women, particularly after menopause, due to hormonal variations;
- contact lens wearers;
- people working on screens: when concentrating, we blink 3 to 4 times less, which further accelerates tear evaporation.
Air conditioning and fans: false friends for your eyes
To combat the heat, we readily take refuge in air-conditioned spaces or in front of a fan. Be careful: air conditioning is very dry and the continuous airflow accelerates the evaporation of the tear film. Prolonged exposure to air conditioning, whether in the car, at the office, or at night, is one of the major causes of summer dry eyes.
The right reflex: never direct the airflow (air conditioning or fan) directly at your face, and humidify the indoor air if possible.
UV, pollution, swimming: other summer dangers
Heatwaves are often accompanied by other aggressions for the eyes:
- UV rays, particularly intense in summer, can cause a real "burn" of the cornea (photokeratitis) and, in the long term, promote cataracts and AMD;
- Atmospheric pollution: high temperatures often rhyme with peaks of ozone and fine particles, which irritate the ocular surface;
- Chlorine from swimming pools and sea salt, irritating to the conjunctiva;
- Sand, wind and pollen, sources of irritation and ocular allergies.
Dehydration: also a risk for the retina
Extreme heat and dehydration don't just affect the surface of the eye. In cases of dehydration, blood becomes thicker and circulates less efficiently in the small vessels. In vulnerable individuals (seniors, hypertensives, diabetics), this can promote certain retinal vascular accidents, such as retinal vein occlusion. One more reason to drink regularly, without waiting until you're thirsty!
The right Varionet reflexes to protect your eyes during a heatwave
- 💧 Hydrate: at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day, more in case of high heat or physical activity;
- 🕶️ Wear sunglasses that filter 100% of UV rays as soon as you go outside, preferably wrap-around and with polarized lenses for optimal comfort;
- 🌬️ Avoid direct airflow (air conditioning, fan) on your face;
- 👀 Blink your eyes voluntarily and take regular breaks when working on a screen (the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet – 6 meters – away for 20 seconds);
- 💦 Use artificial tears if you experience discomfort, on the advice of your pharmacist or ophthalmologist;
- 🏊 Protect your eyes when swimming with swimming goggles and rinse them with clean water or saline solution afterward;
- 🌞 Avoid going out during the hottest hours (12 p.m. - 4 p.m.), when UV and temperature are at their maximum.
When to consult a doctor?
Significant eye pain, blurred vision, strong light sensitivity, or dry eye symptoms that persist for several days despite these measures should lead you to consult an ophthalmologist quickly. These signs can indicate a more severe condition of the ocular surface.
Varionet accompanies you all summer long
To enjoy the summer while protecting your vision, Varionet offers:
- polarized sunglasses and over-sunglasses that filter 100% of UV rays, ideal for glare in the city, at the beach, or in the mountains;
- solar reading glasses with Varionet multi-distance lenses, for comfortable reading in the sun while protecting your eyes;
- protective glasses, with or without correction, for summer DIY and gardening.
Find all our solutions on www.varionet.com and have a great summer… with well-protected eyes!
