You enjoy sunbathing on the beach and feeling the gentle breeze on your face. However did you know that getting windblown sand and dust in your eyes can cause permanent vision loss?

Eye Health and Diseases Specialist Op. Dr. İlker Biçer said, “One of the most common eye problems during summer holidays is sand in the eye. A wrong intervention or delay in consulting a doctor after sand in the eye can cause eye diseases.”

Conjunctivitis (Eye Inflammation): As a result of sand and dust particles coming into contact with the eye, eye inflammation (conjunctivitis) may occur. Conjunctivitis manifests itself with symptoms such as redness, itching, watering, burning and stinging. An examination by a specialist ophthalmologist is usually sufficient for diagnosis. In treatment, eye drops or ointments are used to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms. Early diagnosis can prevent the progression of conjunctivitis.

Corneal Abrasion: The cornea is the transparent layer at the front of the eye and can be scratched when sand or dust rubs against its surface. Corneal abrasion causes symptoms such as pain, tenderness, redness, sensitivity to light and blurred vision.

Permanent Vision Loss: When sand or dust particles get into the eye and are not intervened early, undesirable conditions such as impingement under the eyelid and damage to the cornea may occur due to intraocular foreign body. This may result in permanent vision loss.

Ways to Protect Your Eyes from Sand

There are some precautions you can take before the windblown sand and dust gets into your eyes and turns your vacation into a nightmare. Wearing sunglasses on the beach is an effective way to protect your eyes from sand and dust. Wearing a hat or hat-like headgear on the beach can reduce the impact of direct sunlight on the eyes and the risk of foreign objects hitting the eyes. Wearing swimming goggles in windy weather, especially when swimming in shallow waters close to the beach, can also help protect your eye health from sand contact. Never rub your eyes if you get sand in your eyes. Rubbing your eyes can cause sand to scratch your cornea. After sanitizing your hands, you can wash your eyes with tear drops. If the sensitivity persists, you should consult a specialized eye health and diseases specialist before the symptoms worsen.

August 2024