Summer vacation often brings increased screen time, sun exposure, swimming pools, the sea, allergens and air-conditioned environments, all of which can affect eye health. Fortunately, many eye problems seen during the summer can be prevented with simple but effective precautions.

With schools closed for the summer, children spend more time using phones, tablets and computers, while seasonal environmental factors also pose significant risks to eye health. Because children’s eyes are still developing, prolonged screen use, along with sun exposure, swimming pools, the sea, allergens and air-conditioned environments, can increase the risk of dry eyes, redness, itching and allergic eye complaints. Contrary to popular belief, sunglasses with dark lenses alone are not enough to protect the eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Here are six major summer risks for children’s eye health and the simple precautions that can help prevent them.

Increased Screen Time
Longer periods of phone, tablet and computer use during the summer break can lead to eye strain, dryness, burning, stinging and focusing problems. For this reason, screen time should be planned carefully, and children should get into the habit of resting their eyes every 20 minutes by looking at an object about 20 feet (6 meters) away for at least 20 seconds.

Pools and the Sea
In addition to chlorine and hygiene issues in swimming pools, salt, sand and microorganisms in seawater can increase the risk of eye irritation, redness, burning and infection. Whenever possible, children should wear protective swimming goggles that fit snugly around the eyes, especially in pools and preferably in the sea as well. After swimming, the eyes should be rinsed with clean water, dirty hands should not touch the eyes, shared towels should be avoided and the eyes should not be rubbed.

Swimming with Contact Lenses
Contact lenses make it easier for bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms found in pool and seawater to attach to the lens surface, increasing the risk of corneal infections. Chlorinated and salty water can also damage the lens material, causing irritation and discomfort. For this reason, contact lenses should not be worn while swimming. If they are absolutely necessary, daily disposable lenses should be used and discarded immediately after leaving the water.

Sun Exposure
Prolonged exposure to intense ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause eye irritation and discomfort. Over many years, unprotected exposure to UV radiation may also increase the risk of cataracts and certain eye diseases. Children should wear sunglasses with UV400 or 100% UV protection when outdoors, avoid looking directly at the sun and wear a hat, especially during the hours when sunlight is strongest. It is important to remember that dark-tinted lenses alone do not provide adequate UV protection.

Summer Allergies
During the summer months, pollen, grass, dust, mold spores and other environmental allergens can increase allergic eye complaints. Symptoms may include itching, redness, tearing, burning and swollen eyelids. Rubbing the eyes should be avoided, as it can worsen symptoms and damage the surface of the eye.

Air Conditioning
Spending long periods in air-conditioned environments during hot weather can cause the tear film to evaporate more quickly, leading to dryness, stinging, burning, redness and the sensation of a foreign body in the eye. These effects may become even more pronounced when the airflow is directed toward the face or eyes. For this reason, air vents should not blow directly onto the face, excessively dry environments should be avoided and adequate fluid intake should be maintained throughout the day.

August 2026