Australia is home to some of the best beaches in the world, often topping lists when it comes to ranking slices of paradise. Among the idyllic locations found in Australia, though, Brighton Beach stands out for its iconic bathing boxes, wide stretches of sand, and beautiful waters that make it an ideal getaway spot.
However, you will want to take some precautions before indulging in some fun under the Brighton sun, as Australia has extreme ultraviolet (UV) ratings. Besides wearing the proper SPF to protect your skin, looking into eye protection is also essential, as being at the beach will make your vision vulnerable to UV exposure and possible injury from the sand and sea.
With this, here are some tips to help ensure your eyes are protected against the sun and any other beach-related discomfort.
Have the right gear
Brighton Beach’s waters are usually calm, making it a popular destination for activities like swimming and snorkelling. However, wearing the right kind of gear can help protect from any seawater debris that could scratch the surface of your eyes and cause corneal abrasions. The blurry vision and redness these cause can be extremely painful. It’s also something you don’t want affecting your safety and enjoyment of various Brighton Beach activities.
That said, be sure to get the right gear for whatever you choose to do. Wearing swimming goggles or a snorkelling mask alone can help form a tight seal around your eyes and block out any water from entering. More importantly, they can keep your vision clear underwater so you avoid any accidents. You can try Speedo Opal goggles for swimming and the Phantom Aquatics Panoramic for snorkelling as you enjoy the waters at Brighton Beach.
Wear a pair of sunglasses
If you’re looking to do activities that don’t require going underwater, Brighton Beach has various options you can try. Our post highlights paddleboarding along the coastline, where you can enjoy the lush waters of the area without swimming and even do some marine life spotting. Or, if you’re someone who prefers lounging on the sand with a book or a cold drink, the white shores of Brighton Beach are a great place to relax.
However, it’s important to remember that sunlight and prolonged UV exposure can increase your risk of eye cancers and cataracts. Sand can also get in your eyes and cause corneal abrasions. Also, wearing sunglasses will protect your eyes from sun and sand and reduce eye strain as you paddleboard or stroll along the baywalk. You can look at Oakley’s Frogskins, which use durable O Matter frames and a secure fit to ensure they won’t slip off and break. Their polarised lenses can also reduce reflected sunlight on the water and filter out harmful UV rays. Finally, they can physically block sand particles from getting into your eyes for added protection.
Bring a hat
Due to Australia’s higher UV rates, many of its beachgoers can be seen wearing broad-brimmed hats, bucket hats, and caps to shield their faces from the sun. A hat can further fend off excess sunlight, reduce squinting, and add an extra layer of protection for your eyes as you’re enjoying time at Brighton Beach.
Using hats from brands like Solbari gives a variety of styles that offer sufficient sun protection for any wearer. Its Ultra Wide Brim Hat features material with UPF50+ that blocks 98% UVA and UVB rays, making it an ideal choice for beaches with high UV rates. So whether you’re playing beach volleyball, cycling along the nearby pier, or taking a leisure stroll along the shore, the right hat can give you more comfort and protection under the sun.
Avoid touching your eyes
Unfortunately, sand at the beach gets stuck everywhere, including your body and hands. When your fingers are coated in sand and you touch your eye, there may be sudden pain or stinging as you blink. The coarseness of sand can also irritate your eyes and the white part may turn red.
Furthermore, Brighton is a dog-friendly area and some owners may irresponsibly leave their pet’s droppings in the sand. Touching your eyes with polluted sand could introduce harmful elements into the body, such as the hookworms commonly found in dogs. With this, it’s important to wash your hands with soap and tap water from the nearby beach restrooms to avoid gathering dirt and sand that can be transferred onto your eyes.
Keep your eyes moisturised
The dry climate and ocean air along Brighton Beach can dehydrate your eyes, leading to burning sensations, irritation, and light sensitivity. To avoid feeling uncomfortable, it’s good to drink plenty of water to keep your eyes moist. You can also use over-the-counter products like Systane Lubricant Eye Drops to relieve any itchiness and dryness.