4 essential eye health products to see you through summer and midlife
Flow Space··4 min read
4 Essential Eye Health Products to See You Through Summer and Midlife
Don't buy sunglasses unless they have this one specific feature.
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Hot summer days can wreak havoc on your skin and hair — and the same is true for your eyes.
Women in midlife are already prone to dry eyes disease thanks to hormonal changes, and summer can make symptoms worse. Air conditioning, chlorine and prolonged sun exposure can leave eyes feeling dry and irritated—while years of ultraviolet (UV) radiation increase the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration and even skin cancer around the eyes.
The good news is there are some easy ways to keep your peepers protected. Flow Space chatted with Dr. Rudrani Banik, a board-certified neuro-opthalmologist at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai and author of Beyond Carrots: Best Foods For Eye Health A to Z. Here’s what she recommended.
1. Sunglasses With UVA/UVB Lens
Thinking about getting those trendy sunglasses on TikTok Shop or Amazon? Just make sure they have one key feature: “Your sunglasses can be $10 or $300, but they have to have a sticker that says 100% UVA/UVB blocking or UV400,” says Banik. This means the glasses provide full spectrum coverage. Wearing sunglasses without the proper UV protection can lead to corneal sunburn, which increases the risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration.
Sunglasses also help protect the delicate skin around the eyes. When shopping for frames, “Go Big” should be your mantra. Banik’s rule is to “think Jackie O instead of John Lennon.”
Got blue, green and hazel eyes? Then definitely don’t forget your sunnies. People with pale irises are more sensitive to light exposure than those with darker ones.
4 Essential Eye Health Products to See You Through Summer and Midlife
It’s a bug’s life when you wear these big frames from cult fave brand Warby Parker. The angular oversized frames protect from 100% of UV rays. Wear as is or pop your prescription lenses in at an extra cost.
4 Essential Eye Health Products to See You Through Summer and Midlife
Colored frames and lenses are in. Get in on the fun with these big red red aviators.
2. Wide Brim Hats
Hats are the other heroes of eye protection—and can elevate your style at the same time. The shape doesn’t matter, says the Skin Cancer Foundation, as long the brim extends at least 3 inches outward from your face.
4 Essential Eye Health Products to See You Through Summer and Midlife
This hat from Australian brand Solbari provides some serious sun protection — it’s made UPF 50+ sun protection that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. The wide brim covers your face, neck and shoulders and there’s even a hole to stick your ponytail through.
3. Eye-Safe Sunscreen
Even if you slip on your sunnies and plop on a hat—SPF is just as important for keeping your eyes protected. UV rays can bounce off of the ground and surfaces, leading to sunburn and dryness around the eyes.
Banik recommends applying an SPF of at least 30 around your eyes. Look for mineral sunscreen formulas that have been ophthalmologist tested, meaning they’re safe for use around the eyes, or eye creams that contain SPF. Water-resistant and stick formulas may run less, too.
4 Essential Eye Health Products to See You Through Summer and Midlife
Supergoop! Bright-Eyed 100% Mineral Eye Cream SPF 40
“I’m a huge fan of La Roche Posay Anthelios products,” says Banik. This water-based eye serum pulls double duty: it has nourishing vitamins E and C to smooth and blur fine lines and delivers SPF 50 sun protection.
4 Essential Eye Health Products to See You Through Summer and Midlife
This concealer combines SPF 35 sun protection with skincare and makeup. It’s easy to apply, too: just glide the applicator tip over and under the eyes and blend with your fingers.
4. Eye Drops
Summer is a brutal time for dry eyes. Allergens, hot temps and blazing rays can make eyes extra scratchy and dry. Artificial tears instantly replenish moisture and soothe irritation.
Look for formulas without preservatives and apply morning and night. Avoid red relief eye drops because these can mask other issues. If this is a reoccurring problem for you, book an appointment with an ophthalmist.
Banik says trusted brands for artificial tears include Refresh, Systane and Blink.
4 Essential Eye Health Products to See You Through Summer and Midlife
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