Summer in Northeast Florida means long days at the beach, afternoons by the pool, youth sports and plenty of time outdoors. While most people remember to apply sunscreen, many forget that their eyes need protection, too. Increased sun exposure, chlorine, sand and outdoor activities can all take a toll on your vision if you're not careful.

Fortunately, a few simple habits can go a long way toward keeping your eyes healthy all summer long.

One of the biggest threats to eye health during the summer is ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Just as UV rays can damage your skin, they can also damage your eyes over time. Long-term exposure has been linked to cataracts, growths on the eye's surface and other eye conditions. Because UV rays reflect off water, sand and pavement, your eyes may receive even more exposure than you realize.

When spending time outdoors, choose sunglasses that block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound styles offer added protection by limiting sunlight that enters from the sides, making them a great choice for the beach, boating or other outdoor activities.

Swimming is another summertime favorite, but pools, lakes and oceans can all irritate your eyes. Chlorine may disrupt the eye's natural tear film, leading to redness and dryness, while natural bodies of water can expose your eyes to bacteria and other irritants.

If you wear contact lenses, it's especially important to avoid swimming while wearing them. Contact lenses can trap bacteria against the surface of the eye, increasing the risk of serious infections that may threaten your vision. Prescription goggles or daily disposable lenses removed immediately after swimming are often safer alternatives.

Summer also brings a busy season for baseball, softball, pickleball, and other recreational sports. Eye injuries can happen in an instant from a stray ball, flying debris or accidental contact. Many of these injuries are preventable by wearing appropriate protective eyewear designed for sports.

If your eyes become red, painful, unusually sensitive to light, or your vision changes after an injury or water exposure, don't assume the symptoms will resolve on their own. Prompt evaluation by an eye care professional can help prevent more serious complications.

The good news is that protecting your eyes doesn't require major lifestyle changes. Wearing quality sunglasses, using protective eyewear during sports, practicing good contact lens hygiene, and rinsing your eyes with preservative-free artificial tears after a day outdoors can help keep your eyes comfortable throughout the season.

Summer should be spent making memories, not dealing with preventable eye problems. Taking a few extra precautions now can help preserve your vision for many summers to come.

Natasha Krzyzanowski, O.D., is a Residency-Trained Medical Optometrist with Florida Eye Specialists and sees patients at the Neptune Beach, Gate Parkway, Orange Park and Southpoint offices. She provides comprehensive eye care, including routine eye exams, contact lens evaluations and the diagnosis and management of eye disease. For more information, visit FloridaEyeSpecialists.com or call (904) 564-2020.