Summer Eye Safety: What Ophthalmologists Want You to Know

Baptist Eye Surgeons • July 14, 2023

Summertime means fun in the sun. Unfortunately, it can also mean damage to your vision and overall The sun in the sky on a cloudless day eye health if you’re not careful. At Baptist Eye Surgeons, we want you to enjoy the warm weather as much as possible. We’ve written this blog to help you implement summer eye safety.

We’ll look at:

Statistics about UV rays and your vision
Protecting your vision during summer yard work
How to choose a good pair of prescription sunglasses
How UV rays can damage your eyes and vision

Statistics about UV Rays & Your Vision

Many people are in the dark about how the summer sun can affect their eye health. This causes them to put their vision in danger despite the harsh realities of how it can affect their sight.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology wants to drive the point home. Check out these summer eye safety statistics to understand why taking proper precautions is of the utmost importance.

53% of people believe that darker sunglass lenses mean more protection from UV rays
47% of sunglasses buyers don’t check the UV rating before purchasing
Only 32% of parents make their kids wear UV-blocking sunglasses
Certain medications and medical conditions put you at greater risk of UV damage

Overexposure to the sun increases your risk of:

- Sunburned eyes
- Eye cancer
- Growths near or on the eye
- Cataracts

Knowing the threat UV radiation poses to your eyes can be an important factor in summer eye safety. By knowing how detrimental the threat is, you will be more motivated to take the right steps to protect your vision.

Learn more about summer sun safety and how you can protect your vision.

Summer Eye Safety

Protecting Your Vision During Summer Yard Work

The sun’s rays aren’t the only threat to your vision and eye health during the summer. Warmer weather means more time for yard work, for better or worse. Like wearing sunglasses protects your vision from the sun’s rays, wearing the right eye protection when doing outdoor yard work will ensure that you avoid an eye injury.

According to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, yard equipment and power tools are two of the most common causes of eye injuries . That’s why it’s important to wear more than glasses or sunglasses when doing chores. Instead, opt for ANSI Z87.1-compliant safety goggles. They’re strong enough to even protect your eyes from high-velocity debris.

The same is true for wearing contact lenses during summer yard work and other chores. Airborne debris and dust can get stuck under the lens, resulting in:

Irritation
Abrasion
Infection

Dust and other particles in your eye put you at a higher risk of infection. To learn more about eye infections and what you can do about them, check out a video of our very own Dr. Sweet explaining your options below.

If a small object gets in your eye, rinse it with cold water. Make sure to remove your contact lens first. Contact your Knoxville eye specialist if you still experience redness and irritation after 24 hours.

Symptoms such as severe pain, bleeding, and blurred vision may indicate that the eye has been penetrated. In these extreme cases, seek emergency treatment then contact your eye doctor.

Learn more about the importance of safety glasses during yard work.

How to Choose a Good Pair of Prescription Sunglasses

UV radiation from the sun poses unique challenges to your vision and eye health. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your eyes . The most important of these is wearing a high-quality pair of prescription sunglasses. These shades will help protect your vision and keep your eyes feeling comfortable all year long.

The three most important factors for choosing a pair of prescription shades are:

UV protection
Fit
Lens material

When evaluating for UV protection , look for lenses that have 99 – 100% UVA and UVB protection. This prevents your eyes from being overexposed to the sun’s rays, which can affect the retina and lens of your eyes over time.

Fit plays a major role in how well a pair of sunglasses will protect your eyes. Look for frames that fit your face well. A well-fitting pair of frames should rest close to your face without touching your eyelashes or sticking out. They should also align with your eyebrows.

Lens material is based on individual preferences and lifestyles. For instance, glass lenses are ideal if you want the highest levels of clarity and scratch resistance. However, plastic lenses are more lightweight and durable than glass varieties. Polycarbonate lenses are much stronger than glass or plastic lenses, making them ideal for those who lead physically active lives.

Learn how to choose sunglasses that suit every lifestyle.

How UV Rays Can Damage Your Eyes and Vision

UV rays can damage your eyes in several ways. Their effects aren’t limited to the summertime since the sun acts as a year-round threat to your eye health. Failure to wear UV-blocking sunglasses can increase your risk of:

Photokeratitis
Pinguecula
Macular degeneration

Also known as corneal sunburn , photokeratitis occurs when your eyeball tissue becomes inflamed. This tissue is extremely sensitive and the condition can set in within just a few hours of UV exposure. A sunburn on the eye can occur during winter as well. Commonly known as snow blindness , it’s important to wear UV eye protection even when you think there is no threat.

Learn more ways UV rays damage your eyes & vision .

Pinguecula is a raised growth on the surface of the eyeballs or eyelid ( conjunctiva ). They can appear as yellow or white bumps on the surface of your eye. These growths are most common in dusty or sandy areas, such as beaches. Fortunately, they are easily treatable with eye drops.

Macular degeneration affects the macula, which is part of the retina. It helps turn the light that enters the eye into the images that we see. UV rays can contribute to the degeneration of the macula over time, resulting in the loss of central vision. This can cause your vision to appear blurry when looking directly at an object.

Do you need help protecting your vision this summer? Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

Most people are under the impression that darker lenses are enough to protect their eyes from the sun’s rays. On top of UV radiation, summer yard work also poses a threat to your eye health. Wearing the right eye protection is key in both situations. Choose a high-quality pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun and sturdy safety goggles for yard work.

Baptist Eye Surgeons is an ophthalmological practice in Knoxville, TN, and Morristown, TN. Give us a call at 865-579-3920 for more information or to schedule an appointment .

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Dry Eye & Allergies: How to Tell the Two Apart

October 29, 2026

Dry, itchy or watery eyes can make simple day to day activities quite uncomfortable, particularly if the symptoms are affecting your ability to read, work or enjoy time outside. The two most common causes of eye discomfort are dry eye disease and eye allergies. They can present in a very similar way so it's important to be able to differentiate between the two in order to know when you need to see an eye care professional. An eye examination at Baptist Eye Surgeons will help to establish the cause of your symptoms and will allow us to recommend the most appropriate treatment. What is the difference between dry eye and eye allergies? Dry eye disease is essentially the condition where your eyes either aren't producing enough tears or the tears produced are evaporating too quickly to adequately lubricate the surface of the eye. The result is typically irritation, redness, a gritty feeling and sometimes quite the opposite of what you'd expect in the form of excessive tearing. Eye allergies (allergic conjunctivitis) are basically your immune system reacting to an allergen (pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander etc). The result of that reaction is the release of histamine and other mediators which can lead to itching, redness and swelling. As both conditions may result in red, watery and uncomfortable eyes, it's important to be able to recognize the specific symptoms in order to get to the root of the problem and find relief. Dry Eye vs. Allergies: Common Symptoms to Watch For Although there is some overlap between the two conditions there are certain symptoms which may help you to tell them apart. 1. Itchy Eyes vs. Burning and Grittiness One of the most obvious differences is the kind of discomfort you're suffering. Eye allergies are very much associated with intense itching (to the point where you're constantly itching the eyes) and with swelling of the eyelids. Dry eye disease is more likely to cause a burning, stinging sensation (as if something is in your eye) or a gritty feeling. Your eyes will often feel tired and/or irritated, particularly after reading, working at a computer or being in an air conditioned environment. 2. Watery Eyes and Excessive Tearing Both dry eye and allergies can lead to watery eyes, just that the mechanism is different in each case. With dry eye disease, irritation can trigger a reflex which results in an overproduction of watery tears. These tears may well be in fact more of a problem than a solution as they won't provide the sustained lubrication that your eyes require. With allergies you often get watery eyes along with itching, redness and swelling of the eyelids. These can become quite apparent after exposure to pollen, dust and so on. 3. Seasonal Symptoms and Environmental Triggers The timing of your symptoms can be of some use in terms of giving you a clue. Eye allergies are a common problem and tend to be worse at certain times of year (particularly when pollen counts are high). They can also occur year-round if you're exposed to indoor allergens such as dust mites and pet dander. Dry eye symptoms can occur all year round and can be made worse in dry, windy or air conditioned environments. Lengthy screen time, ageing, certain medications and some medical conditions may all contribute to dry eye disease. 4. How Symptoms Affect Both Eyes Allergic conjunctivitis will typically affect both eyes and is very often associated with quite marked itching. Dry eye can also affect both eyes, though the symptoms may be quite different in the two eyes. Neither pattern alone is definitive for determining the cause of eye irritation. How Are Dry Eye and Eye Allergies Diagnosed? An eye exam enables your eye care professional to assess your symptoms, take your medical history and look for any signs of irritation or inflammation. Depending on your symptoms, the testing may look at tear production, tear quality, tear evaporation and the surface of the eye. Your eye care professional may also look at environmental triggers and other conditions which may be playing a part in your symptoms. Accurate diagnosis is important as dry eye and allergies can require different treatments and in some cases both can be present at the same time. How can you find relief from eye irritation? Treatment is dependent on the etiology of your symptoms. Artificial tears may be of some help in the relief of dry eye discomfort, allergy medication or antihistamine eye drops may be of benefit in the management of allergic symptoms. Your eye care professional will be in a position to advise you on the most appropriate options for you. Don't rub your eyes and consider minimizing exposure to any known irritants/allergens. If the symptoms continue, get worse or keep coming back then you should have an eye exam rather than just carrying on treating them without knowing the actual cause. Get prompt medical attention for severe eye pain, sudden change in vision, intense light sensitivity or severe redness. Protecting Your Eye Health Knowing the difference between dry eye and allergies can go a long way to helping you understand your symptoms and get to the root of the problem so that you can take appropriate steps to alleviate them. The issue is that the two conditions can present with such similar symptoms that a proper assessment by a professional is often the only way to work out which one you actually have. If you are experiencing persistent itching, burning, redness, or watery eyes, schedule an appointment with Baptist Eye Surgeons. An eye care professional can help identify the source of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan to support your comfort and long-term eye health.

What to Expect During Your First Eye Exam: A Step-by-Step Guide

September 22, 2026

A thorough eye exam is an important part of keeping your vision healthy and protecting your eyes. If you are arranging for your first eye examination as an adult, if you are taking a child in for an evaluation, or if you have noticed any changes in your vision, knowing what to expect can help make the experience more comfortable. The eye exams carried out at Baptist Eye Surgeons not only check your vision but also look at your general eye health and spot any possible problems that might call for further investigation. What is the Importance of Eye Examinations? An eye examination does not merely enable one to find out if glasses or contact lenses are required. It lets an eye care professional assess how well your eyes are working and spot the signs of common eye conditions. Some eye conditions can progress slowly without symptoms. Regular eye checkups can help detect changes earlier and make sure you receive appropriate treatment when needed. Step by step: The Process Involved in Having an Eye Examination Even though the different appointments may vary according to your particular needs, a typical full eye examination will involve a number of significant steps. 1. An Examination of Your Medical & Eye History Your appointment may start with questions about your vision, medical history, medications, any previous eye conditions, and your family history of eye disease. Be sure to report any changes in your vision, eye discomfort, headaches, or other concerns you have noticed. Your eye care professional may also ask about the glasses or contact lenses you currently use and how well they work for you. 2. Checking Your Vision A well-known part of an eye examination is the visual acuity test. You might be asked to read some letters or symbols from a chart at a set distance. This lets doctors assess how clearly you can see and decide whether corrective lenses would help. Further testing could assess your ability to see up close and the way well your eyes work together. 3. The Measurement of Eye Health & Function Your eye care professional might carry out a number of tests in order to assess the health and functioning of your eyes. The tests involved may vary depending on your age, symptoms, and risk factors and could include measuring eye pressure, examining eye movement and coordination, and looking at the structures at the front and back of the eye. They can help spot possible signs of eye disorders. 4. Discussing Your Results Your ophthalmologist will review the results with you after the examination. If your vision has changed, they may suggest new prescription lenses. If they spot an eye condition or another issue, they could recommend further testing, further monitoring, or treatment. It is also a good chance to ask questions regarding your eye health and the recommended follow-up care. What Should You do to Get Ready for your First Eye Examination? Having an eye examination usually involves nothing complicated. It is a good idea to take with you your present glasses or contact lens details and to be ready to give a list of any medications as well as any applicable medical or family history. Additionally, it might be helpful to remember any vision changes or symptoms you have had. Dilation may occur during the examination if certain tests are performed. After dilation has been advised, your vision might be temporarily blurred or more sensitive to light. Supporting Healthy Vision The initial eye examination is a valuable chance to determine a baseline for your eye health and understand your specific vision needs. Regular eye exams help monitor changes over time and support early detection of possible eye conditions. Plan a visit with an eye care professional if you have discovered any changes in your vision or if you're due for a check-up.

Children’s Vision Milestones: What Parents Should Watch For

August 28, 2026

Healthy vision is essential for a child's development, learning, and daily activities. From recognizing faces in infancy to reading, participating in sports, and navigating school, children depend on their eyesight to interpret and relate to their environment. Knowing typical vision milestones helps parents spot possible issues and seek appropriate care when needed. How Does Vision Develop in Children? Vision develops rapidly during the first years of life. Newborns perceive light, shapes, and nearby objects, although their vision remains immature. As children mature, their capacity to focus, track moving objects, recognize details, and coordinate both eyes improves progressively. Due to the gradual nature of visual development, regular eye examinations are essential. Certain childhood vision problems may not be readily apparent, especially when one eye is stronger than the other. Although each child develops at an individual pace, several general vision milestones may guide parental observation. 1. Infants: Birth to 12 Months Within the first year, infants typically develop the ability to focus on faces and objects, visually track moving items, and reach for objects they observe. Caregivers may also observe infants responding to known faces and visually exploring their environment. If an infant does not track objects, exhibits eyes that frequently cross or wander, or fails to respond visually to people or objects, these concerns should be discussed with a pediatrician or eye care professional. 2. Toddlers: Ages 1 to 3 As children become more active, their visual skills continue to develop. Toddlers rely on vision to walk, climb, manipulate small objects, and interact with toys. Over time, they typically improve in identifying familiar people and objects and in coordinating eye and hand movements. Frequent eye rubbing, squinting, sitting close to screens, or difficulty seeing objects could indicate the need for an eye exam. 3. Preschool and School-Age Children By preschool and early elementary school, children utilize vision for detailed activities including coloring, drawing, letter recognition, reading, and participating in games. Effective eye coordination and focusing abilities support learning and classroom performance. Children may not always realize their vision differs from other children’s, so parents should watch for signs such as headaches, avoiding reading, losing their place while reading, holding books unusually close, or struggling to see the board. Signs of Possible Vision Problems Caregivers should monitor for changes in a child's vision or behavior. Potential warning signs include: Frequent squinting or eye rubbing Eyes that cross, wander, or do not move together Complaints of blurry or double vision Frequent headaches Difficulty reading or concentrating Sitting very close to a television or screen Tilting or turning the head to see Covering or closing one eye Difficulty recognizing objects or seeing at a distance Avoiding activities that require close or distance vision If you notice these signs, speak with a pediatrician or eye care professional. The Importance of Children’s Eye Exams Regular eye examinations can identify vision problems before they interfere with learning and development. Eye care professionals assess visual acuity, binocular coordination, and common childhood eye conditions. Early detection matters because some vision problems are easier to address when identified in childhood. Parents must follow their child’s healthcare provider's recommendations for vision screenings and comprehensive eye exams. Helping Protect Your Child’s Vision Caregivers can promote healthy vision by encouraging beneficial habits. These include spending time outdoors, taking regular screen breaks, using appropriate protective eyewear during activities, maintaining a balanced diet, and attending recommended pediatric and eye care appointments. Supporting Healthy Vision at Every Age Knowing children's vision milestones helps caregivers distinguish typical development and spot possible issues early. Throughout infancy and the school years, monitoring how a child sees, focuses, and interacts with their environment is vital for supporting healthy development. If you notice concerns about a child's eyesight or alterations in vision, consult a healthcare provider or eye care professional. Early attention to vision supports learning, development, confidence, and overall quality of life.