As summer peaks, and the mercury soars into the 40s, it has become necessary to take measures to protect yourself from the gruesome heat.

One can protect the skin and hair from the harmful UV rays by using sunscreen, wearing loose cotton clothes, and using caps or umbrellas. However, the one organ we end up neglecting, and one that needs the most care, is our eyes. Exposed to the harsh characteristics of summer every day, it's important to learn some simple practices for to protect your eyes. Here are some tips to safeguard your eyes against the summer heat:

The Must Dos

• Wear 100 per cent UV-blocking sunglasses. It is the simplest way to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of the summer sun. Wrap-around sunglasses with a minimum of UV400 rating are best suited for this weather. Be sure to ask your optometrist or check the description yourself to find the exact range.
• Pair it with a wide-brimmed hat for an extra layer of protection. You can refer to the American Academy of Ophthalmology's guide (https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/sunglasses-3) to pick up the right fit.
• Staying hydrated remains the key as a combination of the summer heat and air-conditioning can dry out your eyes very fast. Drink eight to 10 glasses of water daily to maintain natural tear production as it is the first natural security film for your eyes. In a study published in journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2127960), findings showed that 10 of the 14 participants in the trial developed mild-to-moderate Dry Eye Disease simply from not drinking enough water. Dehydration alone was the direct cause of their symptoms.
• For swimming enthusiasts, the most important preventive step to keep their eyes safe is to use swimming goggles. Keeping your eyes safe from chlorine and bacteria in swimming pools is the key. Rinsing closed eyes with clean water right after swimming is another important step for eye hygiene.

The Don'ts

• Never rub your eyes. Sweaty and dirty hands are the easiest way for bacteria and allergens to enter your eyes and create or worsen infection and irritation. A simple alternative is the use of lubricating eye drops but after consultation with an ophthalmologist.
• Do not self-diagnose. Using over-the-counter steroid or redness reduction eye drops can result in serious complications. If you are affected with prolonged redness with gritty eyes and pain, consult an eye specialist.