As the weather cools slightly in Florida, many adults are eager to enjoy outdoor activities like pickleball, golf, boating, and cycling. While these activities are fun and healthy, they also pose unique risks to your eyes. Protecting your vision during fall sports is especially important in Florida, where sunlight, glare, and unexpected impacts can threaten eye health.
At Tyson Eye, we see patients from Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Bonita Springs, and Estero who are active and want to keep their eyes safe while enjoying the outdoors. Here’s what you need to know to stay protected this fall.
Pickleball: A Popular Florida Sport with Eye Risks
Pickleball has exploded in popularity across Florida, especially among adults and retirees. While it’s a low-impact sport for the body, eye injuries are surprisingly common. A fast-moving ball or accidental paddle contact can cause serious trauma, including corneal abrasions, bruising, or even retinal damage.
Tip: Always wear protective sports eyewear that is impact resistant. Look for wraparound styles to shield the eyes from side-angle hits.
Golf: Sun, Glare, and Accidents on the Green
Golf is another favorite fall activity in Fort Myers, Naples, and surrounding areas. Golfers are exposed to long hours of sunlight, glare off water hazards, and the occasional stray ball or club mishap. Even minor eye injuries can impact your vision and recovery.
Tip: Polarized sunglasses reduce glare while improving clarity, helping you spot the ball and read greens without straining your eyes. Sunglasses with UV protection are essential to prevent long-term damage from harmful rays.
Boating, Fishing, and Other Outdoor Activities
Florida’s waterways make boating and fishing popular fall pastimes. Sun reflecting off the water can cause eye strain, dryness, and even photokeratitis (a sunburn of the cornea). Wind, saltwater, and airborne debris can also irritate your eyes.
Tip: Invest in high-quality polarized sunglasses with UV protection and wraparound frames to reduce exposure. Consider lubricating eye drops if you spend long hours outdoors to prevent dryness.
Cycling, walking trails, and tennis are also excellent ways to stay active in the fall. These activities expose your eyes to sunlight, wind, and dust, so protective eyewear remains a must.
Why Eye Safety Matters in Florida Year-Round
Even in fall, Florida’s UV index remains high. Long-term exposure to UV rays increases the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and other vision problems. For adults who have already undergone cataract surgery, protecting eyes with sunglasses is especially important to maintain lens health and overall visual clarity.
Regular eye exams are also critical. Eye injuries or strain can sometimes mask underlying conditions like glaucoma or dry eye, which are more common as we age. A comprehensive exam at Tyson Eye ensures your eyes are healthy, vision is sharp, and any risks are addressed before they become problems.
Schedule Your Fall Eye Exam Today
Whether you’re hitting the pickleball courts, walking the golf course, or enjoying Florida’s waterways, your eyes deserve protection. Tyson Eye offers full-service eye care, including preventive exams, vision correction, and specialty lenses, to keep your eyes safe and clear.
Patients from Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Bonita Springs, and Estero trust Tyson Eye for modern technology with old-fashioned concern. Schedule your eye exam today and make sure your vision is as ready for fall as you are. 239-542-2020
