Five simple ways to keep your eyes match-ready during a summer of sport
Whether you’re cheering on your team at the World Cup, planning to watch every ball at Wimbledon or following a packed summer of sport, a few simple habits can keep your eyes comfortable throughout the season.
Experts at Optegra Eye Hospital Hampshire say a combination of high pollen levels, warmer weather, fans, air conditioning and hours spent watching screens could leave many sports fans with irritated, watery or uncomfortable eyes.
These symptoms are often mistaken for tiredness, screen fatigue or hay fever when dry eye may actually be playing a role, so making eyes feel comfortable is an important part of enjoying the action from start to finish.
Oliver Bowen-Thomas, Area Lead Optometrist from Optegra says: "It’s worth remembering that people blink significantly less often when focusing on screens, increasing the likelihood of sore, uncomfortable eyes and a gritty sensation.
“One of the biggest misconceptions is that dry eye only causes dryness. In reality, the eyes can become so irritated that they produce excess tears, which is why it's often mistaken for hay fever or irritation caused by pollen.
"The good news is that a few simple habits can help people enjoy every minute of the action while keeping their eyes comfortable.”
Here are Optegra’s five simple eye-health tips for summer sport viewers in Portsmouth:
· Take advantage of half-time and match breaks
Use the break to look away from screens, stretch your legs and give your eyes a chance to rest. It’s a rest for your eyes as well as for the players.
· Remember to blink
People blink less often when concentrating on screens, which can contribute to dry eye symptoms. Remember the 20/20/20 rule - every 20 minutes, look 20m away and blink 20 times.
· Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water can help support healthy tear production, particularly during warmer weather.
· Avoid direct airflow
Position fans and air-conditioning vents away from your face where possible.
· Don't ignore ongoing symptoms
If eye irritation, discomfort or blurred vision persists, seek advice from an eye health professional.