5 Tips for Protecting Your Eyes While Surfing

Surfing is a great sport where you can enjoy the waves and the beautiful beach. However, hours spent in salt water and under the sun can really damage your eyes.

If your eyes burn, itch, or look red and feel irritated at the end of a day spent in the surf, you could be one step closer to a surfer's eye. Prolonged exposure to UV rays, wind, chlorine, or salt water can stress your eyes over time.

Surfer’s eyes, also known as pterygium, are a common condition seen in surfers and people who spend a lot of time outdoors.

Surfer's eye develops when growths appear on the white of the eye or inside the eyelid. They can sometimes be slightly uncomfortable, however, if you deal with your surfer's eye properly, it is generally harmless. In our article, we will take a look at 5 surf safety tips to help prevent surfer's eyes. This is so you can surf safely without worrying that you might damage your eyes. 

What is Surfer’s Eyes?

Surfer's eyes, also known as pterygium, refers to a non-cancerous growth of the conjunctiva that develops from extensive exposure to UV rays, especially in surfers and others who spend considerable time outdoors under the sun. It results from high levels of unprotected UV light exposure over the years.

It occurs when fleshy pink tissue starts growing on the white part of the eye or inner eyelid. Surfers are at high risk as they spend many hours in sunlight reflecting off water.

Symptoms include redness, inflammation, itching, and blurred vision in the affected eye. This growth in the eye can also cause discomfort and a burning sensation. Surfer’s eye is normally caused by long-term damage to the UV rays in the sunlight, salt water, wind, and sand you are exposed to while being outdoors. 

Keeping these irritants away from the eyes is important.  Surfing with glasses and hats and applying eye drops can help protect the delicate eye area from the elements. Taking small precautions can go a long way in avoiding such conditions.

So, How Do I Protect My Eyes While Surfing? 

Have you been looking for ways to protect your eyes as you surf through the waves? Keeping you upright on your surfboard is enough to worry about without considering your eyes. However, there are measures you can take to help save vision during your surf. 

Adding new habits while surfing may sound challenging, but you can implement a few simple, easy steps each time you surf to protect your eyes. 

Here Are the Best Techniques to Protect Your Eyes While Surfing:

• Wear Protective Goggles While You Surf

The first thing surfers must do is create a physical barrier between their eyes and the environment. Regular sunglasses provide some protection from UV rays, but there is still room for irritants to sneak in. The lenses could also fall off during a session. Specialized surfing goggles are secured tightly with a snug fit around the eyes and face, leaving no gaps. Look for goggles that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. They may cost more initially, but save your eyes in the long run. 

Looking for more tips on how to select eyewear for water sports? Our detailed guide will help you pick the best options to keep your eyes protected and your vision clear.

• Finished With the Surfing? Wash Up.

After a long surf, it's important to wash the salt or sand that you probably got in your eyes during your wave rides with fresh water. Do this before eating and/or driving anywhere. This removes debris that could further irritate the delicate eye area. A mild cleanser is fine, too.

• Eye Mists/hydration is Key

Once rinsed off, mist your eyes with an electrolyte-balanced hydrating spray. The saline environment pulls moisture from the eyes, so replenishing with an eye mist or eye drops prevents dryness and irritation. Look for a formula with soothing ingredients like cucumber or aloe to soothe redness.

• Walking Around The Beach? Put On Some Shades.

Even when not surfing, the beach exposes eyes to UV rays and windblown particles. Wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection blocks harmful rays that could lead to a surfer's eye over time. Polarized lenses help on bright sand and water.  

For those who need prescription lenses, don't let that stop you from protecting your eyes. Many surfing eyewear brands now offer goggles with prescription lenses, allowing those who need vision correction to hit the waves easily. Whether you need readers for distance vision or have an ongoing prescription, you can get customized surf lenses to keep your prescription handy while still enjoying UV-blocking coverage.

Don’t Diy It. Get a Regular Eye Checkup.

If redness or dryness persists, see an eye doctor. They can examine for early signs of the surfer’s eye and treat them appropriately. Avoid home remedies, which may delay proper medical care and result in worsening of the condition. Your eyes are precious, so protect them with regular professional checkups.

Surfers, Ready?

Your eyes are invaluable when enjoying the sport you are passionate about. You must take good care of them during your surfing experience not only for your vision health but also for having a good surfing experience. 

To limit your risk of red, itchy eyes from chlorine, try wearing tight-fitting goggles whenever you swim, rinse your face after each swim, and use moisturizing eye drops. If your vision is still blurry the next day, see your eye doctor. With regular eye examinations and the right protective eyewear, you might never need any form of treatment.