The mild spring is gradually fading away, and summer is truly approaching at a rapid pace. Under the persistent sunny heat, scorching temperatures, waves of heat, and the glaring sun, it is not just your skin that may suffer—your "windows to the soul," your eyes, could also be at risk.

Summer is a peak season for eye diseases, with a particularly high number of patients seeking medical attention for eye-related issues during this time. Experts point out that seemingly ordinary activities such as outdoor sports, water-based outings, swimming, and wearing sunglasses can potentially harm your eyes. Are you aware of the "four fears" our eyes face during the summer?

First Fear: Eye Trauma

Expert Analysis: Every summer, ophthalmology departments treat numerous patients with eye injuries. If the eyeball is accidentally injured by blunt force, chloramphenicol eye drops should be applied immediately, followed by covering the eye with a clean gauze or handkerchief before seeking medical attention. If the eyeball is punctured or cut by a sharp object, causing rupture, the patient should lie down immediately. Avoid rinsing the injured eye with water or applying any medication. Simply cover the eye with a clean dressing and wrap it gently with a bandage, avoiding any pressure. If there is a foreign object in the eye, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Apply an ice pack, elevate the injured area above heart level, and seek emergency medical care as soon as possible.

Additionally, cases of eye injuries caused by exploding beer bottles or bottle caps are more common in summer. Due to high temperatures, the internal pressure of beverage bottles increases, so they should be handled gently, and extra caution is required when opening them.

Second Fear: Eye Burns

Expert Analysis: The intense ultraviolet rays in summer can also "sunburn" the eyes. Continuous exposure to strong light for 1-2 hours may cause eye "sunburn," often manifesting as redness and swelling of the skin around the eyes, severe pain, accompanied by photophobia, tearing, and difficulty opening the eyes. Blurred vision may also occur during the onset of symptoms.

If these symptoms appear, it is essential to immediately avoid further exposure to strong light. Cool the eyes with cold compresses and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Third Fear: Dark Sunglasses

Expert Analysis: Sunglasses that are too dark or too light are unsuitable. Lighter tints provide insufficient filtering of light, while overly dark tints cause the pupils to dilate, allowing excessive light to enter the eyes and potentially damaging the retina.

When selecting sunglasses, polarized lenses are recommended, with amber, gray, or dark green tints being ideal. Avoid blue-tinted lenses, as blue light can harm the eyes. Furthermore, do not opt for cheap sunglasses, as inadequate eye protection may cause more harm than good.

Fourth Fear: Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Cases of conjunctivitis inevitably increase during the summer. Conjunctivitis is characterized by a rapid onset and high contagiousness, with an incubation period as short as one to two days. Touching towels, washbasins, doorknobs, faucets, or other items used by an infected person and then rubbing your own eyes can lead to transmission. Infections often occur in swimming pools as well.

Expert Analysis: Conjunctivitis is an acute infectious eye inflammation. Typical symptoms include redness in both eyes and increased discharge. Patients may also experience a burning sensation in the eyes, photophobia, and a feeling of having sand in the eyes. In severe cases, systemic symptoms such as headache, fever, and swollen preauricular lymph nodes may accompany the condition.

During summer, it is especially important to maintain personal hygiene and eye care. Wash hands frequently, avoid rubbing your eyes with your hands, and refrain from using towels in public places to wipe your eyes.