A study on vision in Spain, promoted by Clínica Baviera, also confirms that up to 52 percent of participants experience difficulties with distance vision both at the beach and in the pool, and another 30 percent have them during aquatic activities.
«Summer can be especially bothersome for those with myopia: if you forget your glasses, you can’t see well; but you also shouldn’t swim with contact lenses and, if you do, you should avoid getting your head wet to prevent irritating your eyes with chlorine or salt,» explained ophthalmologist and medical director of Clínica Baviera Valencia, Dr. Jorge Navalón, in view of National Myopia Day, celebrated on June 10.
This situation particularly affects young people aged 18 to 24, with up to 40 percent of them admitting to having such problems, which is why more than half of the myopia participants surveyed use contact lenses for swimming, despite it not being advisable and reducing their enjoyment.
«It’s important to remember that swimming with contact lenses should be avoided as water from beaches, pools, rivers, or marshes can carry germs or substances like chlorine that can adhere to them and cause eye infections, irritations, or allergic reactions. Additionally, contact with water can damage the lens itself,» warned Dr. Navalón.
Therefore, he has suggested the use of prescription swim goggles as an alternative, although this choice should be tailored to the environment in which they will be used, as pools and beaches require different features.
LASER SURGERY
The specialist also stated that myopia has a solution beyond glasses or contact lenses, remedies used by 69 percent and 14 percent of Spaniards, respectively, and pointed to refractive surgery, which in recent years has become a «highly chosen» option by Spaniards.
Up to 16 percent of respondents have undergone surgery as a treatment for visual problems, a figure that increases «progressively» with age, a decision made by 76 percent for comfort and quality of life, while 14 percent do it for health reasons.
«Surgery to correct myopia allows you to see well at a distance without the need for glasses or contact lenses. For many people, it represents a significant change in their daily life, especially in summer when activities like going to the beach or engaging in outdoor sports are much more enjoyable without the discomfort of wearing glasses. This improvement in quality of life is one of the great advantages of this treatment,» added Dr. Navalón.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR VISION DURING THE SUMMER
On the other hand, he has provided a series of tips to protect visual health during the summer, emphasizing the importance of protecting the eyes with approved sunglasses against the sun, recommending those with the ‘CE’ certificate and ‘UV’ label, certifying their effectiveness against ultraviolet radiation.
«It is also important to consider the type of sunscreen and the most suitable lens color for each case. It’s best to purchase them from specialized stores that guarantee quality standards and help us choose the most suitable ones for each person,» he added.
Likewise, he has highlighted the need to maintain proper eye hydration through the use of artificial tears, which will help keep the eyes hydrated and recover from irritation caused by exposure to substances like chlorine.
The expert has also urged people to have a visual check-up, especially before embarking on long car journeys.
Finally, he explained that direct exposure to air conditioning can cause ocular dryness, especially when wearing contact lenses, which is why he recommended reducing this direct exposure.