Summer brings sunny days, outdoor adventures, and fresh seasonal foods—but did you know your summer habits can directly impact your eye health? What you eat and drink this season doesn’t just fuel your body; it can help protect your vision too. Here’s how smart choices around diet and hydration can keep your eyes comfortable and healthy all summer long.

Hydration: Quenching More Than Your Thirst

Hot weather and outdoor activities make dehydration a common summer concern—and your eyes can feel it first. When you’re dehydrated, your body produces fewer tears, which can lead to dry, itchy, or burning eyes. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water helps keep your eyes moist, supports tear production, and reduces the risk of irritation from heat, wind, and air conditioning.

Tip: Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day, and remember to drink even when you’re not thirsty—especially after outdoor sports, time at the pool, or walking in the heat.

Eat with Your Eyes in Mind

Summer is the perfect time to add colorful, nutrient-rich foods to your meals. Many summer fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help protect your eyes from sun damage and age-related conditions.

Some summer favorites to add to your plate:

• Leafy greens (spinach, kale, collard greens): Rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that filter harmful light and protect your retina.
• Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries): Packed with vitamin C, which supports healthy blood vessels in your eyes.
• Carrots and bell peppers: Excellent sources of beta-carotene and vitamin A, essential for good night vision and overall eye health.
• Watermelon and cucumbers: Hydrating foods that help your body (and eyes) stay moist.

Don’t Forget Omega-3s

Dry eyes can be more noticeable in the summer heat. Adding foods high in omega-3 fatty acids—like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds—can help improve tear quality and reduce dryness.

Protecting Your Eyes from the Inside Out

While sunglasses with 100% UVA/UVB protection are essential, your diet and hydration habits add another layer of defense. Nutrients like lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin C help protect your eyes against the harmful effects of UV rays and oxidative stress, both of which increase in the summer.

Small Changes, Big Difference

Enjoy summer to the fullest by caring for your vision from the inside out:

• Drink plenty of water
• Choose fresh, colorful produce
• Include omega-3-rich foods
• Wear quality sunglasses with UV protection outdoors

Healthy summer vision starts on your plate and in your glass. If you’d like personalized tips for summer eye care or it’s time for your annual eye exam, our office is here to help! Call 724-443-6767 or 724-226-0400 to schedule your next appointment.

About Bissell Eye Care: John D. Bissell, OD, is the owner of Bissell Eye Care, proudly serving the Northern Pittsburgh and Alle-Kiski Valley regions. Dr. Bissell has received advanced training through the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists, enabling him to help patients living with vision impairment and low vision challenges. With two convenient office locations and evening appointments available, Bissell Eye Care offers comprehensive eye exams for the entire family—starting as young as six months. Our services include ocular disease detection and treatment, prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses, specialty activewear eyewear, contact lenses, and dedicated low vision evaluations for those with significant vision impairment and vision loss. We accept most vision and health insurance plans. To learn more, visit bisselleyecare.com or call our Bakerstown office at 724-443-6767 or our Natrona Heights office at 724-226-0444.