Red eyes and eye drops from the sea, how to lubricate the eye during the summer

Excessive exposure to the sun, sand, and saltwater can cause the frequent disturbance of red eyes at the sea, an annoying summer inconvenience that often compromises the serenity of our holidays and the well-being of the eyes. Let’s find out together the remedies for red eyes and the eye drops that can help us relieve and solve this discomfort.

The eye: a window to the world

The eye is a complex and at the same time very delicate organ, whose function is to collect the luminous stimuli that come from the outside world; these are perceived by the nerve cells of the retina and transformed into electrical inputs which are in turn transported to the brain, where the processing and perception of the visual image take place.

The eye, therefore, represents our optical system which must, for obvious reasons, always be protected. In this sense, the eyelids and the tears that cover the ocular surface offer the first line of defense against the external environment.

Red eyes in the sea: causes

The causes that cause redness of the eyes are many, but the most frequent is undoubtedly the continuous and sometimes excessive exposure to the sun and saltiness. In particular, when you are at the sea, the light and its reflection on the water and the sand can cause dehydration of the tear film that covers the surface of the eyes; it follows that this natural protection system fails to efficiently shield the eye from solar radiation and, in particular, from ultraviolet rays (UVA and UVB). In addition to redness, ocular dehydration it also involves burning, dryness, and visual fatigue. The action of wind and excessive temperatures can also increase the evaporation of the tear film, making the eyeless protected and therefore creating dry eyes.

Also, when you are at sea, the saltwater and sand particles contribute to burning and all ‘ red eyes and their dehydration.

In addition, when the eyes burn, one is prone to rub them in an attempt to bring relief. In reality, this often involuntary gesture causes an increase in inflammation and redness, with a consequent worsening of symptoms, including redness and tearing.

Red eyes and eye drops: remedies

The main precaution to be taken to protect the eyes and prevent redness especially at the sea, and in general in all those conditions of high brightness, is to wear sunglasses with filters in accordance with the law, in order to limit the harmful action of UVA and UVB rays. For those who go sailing, who practice kitesurfing, windsurfing, and water sports, it is particularly important to defend themselves from the glare of the sun on the water.

If problems redness of the eyes, you can move the shade and rinse the eye with fresh water. If you wear contact lenses you must first take them off.

Using eye drops to restore relief and hydration to the eyes is an excellent remedy for dry, irritated, tired red eyes, and tired from the sea and the sun. In this regard, it is always better to prefer single-dose drops, because they are sterile and more hygienic and therefore less subject to contamination.

The eye drops must-have characteristics similar to those of tears in order not to damage the eye (in particular cornea and conjunctiva). The eye drops that act on the redness of the eyes are able to counteract dry eyes, hydrate, and restore the balance of the hydrolipidic film.

Other remedies for the well-being of red eyes are eye lubricating drops. In general, it is preferable to choose those without preservatives as even these components can cause redness of the eyes. The eye drops perform a moisturizing and lubricating action on the ocular surface, giving relief to the eyes, which are experienced by the sun, the burning, and the discomfort typical of ocular dehydration. The most effective only eye drops based on hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate), a molecule that allows a high and intense moisturizing action, prolonged over time. Often enriched with other lubricants and distilled plant waters with soothing properties.

Other precautions

Hydrate. The heat usually causes a state of dehydration and this can lead to problems with the vitreous body, the gelatinous liquid that fills the eyeball. To prevent this ailment you need to drink a lot of water (at least 2 liters per day) in order to replenish fluids.

The importance of vitamins. A diet that guarantees the health and well-being of our eyes is that rich in vitamins, present in fruit and vegetables (particular carrots and blueberries), and omega-3 (fatty acids found mainly in fish). In this way the amount of antioxidants is increased, contributing to the protection of our eyes.

Avoid using contact lenses. At the seaside, it would be a good idea not to use them, instead wear glasses with filtering lenses, which help to maintain ocular comfort and the presence of a good tear film.

Natural remedies. The best is cold compresses with chamomile, mallow, or rose water. As the area is very delicate, it is recommended to use sterilized cotton gauze for compresses.