Without the proper precautions, summer can be a rough season for your eyes. Dr. Gregg Feinerman,  board-certified ophthalmologist and eye surgeon, recently offered advice for protecting your eyes against common summer irritants.

• Chlorine: In a new survey by ROHTO eye drops*, one-third of American adults indicated that the chlorine in swimming pools is a top cause of eye irritation for them. "Always wear goggles or keep your eyes closed when putting your head under chlorinated water," said Dr. Feinerman. "After swimming, you can refresh your eyes with eye drops - I like them because they provide a gentle cooling sensation and instant relief for redness and dryness."

• Sun: Even one day in the sun can result in "photokeratitis," or a burned cornea, and over time, sun exposure can contribute to cataracts, so always wear sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection. "Wearing sunglasses without the proper UV filters can trick your eyes into thinking they're protected them they're not," explained Dr. Feinerman.

• Allergens: Americans identified allergies as the primary cause of eye irritation in the ROHTO survey. Yard work, such as mowing the lawn, often kicks up allergens into the air. "Those with especially sensitive eyes may want wear work goggles when doing yard work," says Dr. Feinerman. "You can also try soothing eye drops to reduce itch, irritation, redness and burning."

• Salt Water and Sand: The beach isn't the best place for your eyes - anyone who's ever gotten ocean water or sand in their eyes knows it's not a pleasant feeling! Protect yourself from windblown sand by wearing sunglasses or shielding your face with a hat. Rinse your hands with fresh water after swimming in the ocean to avoid touching your eyes with salt water.

For more information on Dr. Gregg Feinerman, visit www.feinermanvision.com.