Alberta summers are made for adventure—sun-soaked hikes, backyard BBQs, and weekends at the lake. But while you're busy enjoying every moment, your eyes are facing more threats than you might think. From harsh UV rays to wildfire smoke and dry prairie winds, summer can take a real toll on your vision.
At Village Eye Centre, with locations in North Edmonton and Downtown Edmonton, we’re here to help you protect your sight with practical advice, protective eyewear, and compassionate care.
1. Wear Proper UV-Blocking Sunglasses—Even on Cloudy Days
Alberta is known for its bright skies, but UV radiation doesn’t take a day off—even when it’s overcast. Prolonged sun exposure can lead to conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, and even growths on the eye (yes, that’s a thing!).
Our tip: Invest in high-quality sunglasses with both UVA and UVB protection. At Village Eye Centre, we carry polarized sunglasses from trusted brands like Maui Jim, Oakley, and Zeiss—designed for style, comfort, and serious sun protection.
2. Protect Against Alberta’s Wildfire Smoke and Dust
Summer in Alberta increasingly comes with air quality warnings due to wildfire smoke, which can irritate the eyes, especially if you already suffer from dry eye.
Our tip: On smoky days, limit outdoor exposure, wear wraparound sunglasses, and use preservative-free artificial tears to rinse and hydrate your eyes. If your eyes feel gritty, itchy, or red for more than 24 hours, book an appointment—we can check for inflammation or damage.
3. Stay Hydrated—Your Eyes Need It Too
When you're outside in the heat or enjoying active summer days, dehydration doesn’t just affect your energy—it affects your tear production.
Our tip: Drink plenty of water and avoid overly salty foods and sugary drinks, which can worsen dry eye symptoms. If you wear contacts or have preexisting dry eye, our eye doctors can recommend extra support, like moisture-retaining lenses or in-office dry eye treatments.
4. Use Eye Protection for Sports and Yardwork
Whether you're mountain biking near Elk Island or mowing the lawn, summer means more exposure to dust, debris, insects, and risk of eye injury. A stray rock or branch can do real damage in seconds.
Our tip: For any activity where things might fly toward your face, protective eyewear isn’t optional—it’s essential. Ask us about prescription safety glasses or impact-resistant sunglasses that won’t slow you down.
5. Don’t Skip Your Summer Eye Exam
Many people wait until fall to book their annual exam, but summer is an ideal time—especially for kids heading back to school or adults spending more time outdoors.
Our tip: A comprehensive eye exam checks more than just your vision—it screens for sun-related damage, signs of dryness, and ensures your sunglasses or contacts are doing their job. Plus, our team at Village Eye Centre never rushes your appointment. We take the time to listen, assess, and explain.
Village Eye Centre Is Here to Help—All Summer Long
We’ve proudly served the North Edmonton and Downtown Edmonton communities for over 100 years with personalized eye care that blends modern tech with old-fashioned service. Whether you need new sunwear, a dry eye solution, or just want to stay ahead of vision problems, we’re your summer eye care team.
See Clearly, Live Boldly—Book Your Summer Eye Appointment Today
Your eyes deserve as much attention as your sunscreen and water bottle this summer. At Village Eye Centre, we’re here to keep your vision sharp, your eyes comfortable, and your style on point with protective eyewear you’ll love to wear.