Summer is knocking at the door and it’s only a matter of time before it enters, grabs you by the hand and takes you outside. More often than not, people wear sunscreen for their skin, totally forgetting that their eyes are vulnerable to the sun’s rays too. Obviously, you can’t put sunscreen on your eyes, but there are ways you can keep your peepers safe. Follow these simple ways to protect your eyes this summer.

Wear a cap or visor. That protruding part of a cap or visor is there not just to protect your face, but your eyes as well. For ladies who prefer to wear beach hats, choose one which has a wide brim, about 3-inches wide. This will shade your eyes, as well as your face, and still make you look stylish. Bear in mind that even when it’s cloudy (and it’s not advisable to wear sunglasses) there will still be UV rays, thus the need for a hat, cap or visor.

Wear goggles. Despite its funky smell and the sting it does to your eyes, chlorine is a necessity in any pool. The chemical protects swimmers from germs. What’s the best way to protect your eyes in the pool? Wear goggles—especially if you have not gone swimming in a long time. Actually, it’s a good idea to wear googles even if you’re not in the pool. On the beach, the salty water and micro particles can irritate your eyes. Fresh water? There are also small particles which can get into your eyes. Avoid wearing contact lenses when swimming. If you find it difficult to see without contact lenses, you can get prescription goggles. They may cost a bit more than the usual goggles, but you’ll get the protection you need without compromising your summer escapade.

Wear high quality sunglasses. According to a survey from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, only around half of the people who wear sunglasses check the UV protection rating before they wear the glasses. Most people think any dark sunglasses can protect your eyes. But that is not entirely true. At the most, dark glasses will shield the glare but that’s a minor comfort. What really matters is protection from ultraviolet rays. Too much UV rays can have an adverse effect on your eyes, making it prone to developing cataracts, as well as retinal and corneal damage. Wear sunglasses which have high ultraviolet protection. A good pair to start with is Oakley sunglasses. Its sunglasses, besides looking trendy, have high UV protection. Even if the tint isn’t as dark—like blue, green or even pink—the sunglasses’ protection stays the same.

Start the fun early… or later in the day. According to the Sun Safety Alliance, the months with the highest UV exposure are from May to August. While the day of the day when exposure is greatest is from 10 am to 4 pm. So if you’re going to have outdoor fun this summer, try to avoid these times. If you really can’t avoid it, then wear the right amount of protection.

Most people will also be surprised to know that the higher they go, the greater the chance of UV exposure. It’s not just the altitude but the fact that a thinner, as well as cleaner air, means more UV exposure. So hikers and runners who love steep places should not forget to wear sunglasses, sunscreen and head protection.

However, protecting your eyes goes beyond a day or two at the beach. It’s an everyday ritual, especially when you’re outside a lot. This also includes making sure your hands are clean before touching your eyes. Furthermore, when the summer weather gets particularly scorching, don’t hesitate to stay indoors.