Beat the Heat: Top 5 Tips for Healthy Summer Eyes

Summer in Louisiana means more sunshine, more time outdoors—and more reasons to protect your eyes. The heat, UV rays, and seasonal activities can take a toll on your vision and eye health if you’re not prepared. At Shreveport Eye Specialists, we want to help you keep your eyes safe, comfortable, and healthy all summer long.

Here are our top 5 expert tips to beat the heat and protect your eyes this season:

1. Always Wear UV-Blocking Sunglasses

Sun exposure isn’t just tough on your skin—it can damage your eyes, too. Over time, UV rays can increase your risk for cataracts, macular degeneration, and even sunburned eyes (photokeratitis).
Tip: Choose sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, and don’t forget protective eyewear for kids.

2. Stay Hydrated to Fight Dry Eyes

The hot, dry air—combined with indoor air conditioning—can leave your eyes feeling irritated and dry. Dehydration makes symptoms worse.
Tip: Drink plenty of water and use artificial tears if your eyes feel gritty, burning, or tired.

3. Keep Your Contact Lenses Clean and Safe

Swimming with contacts can lead to infections or eye irritation, especially in pools or lakes.
Tip: Remove contacts before swimming, or wear prescription goggles for clearer, safer vision in the water.

4. Protect Your Eyes from Allergens and Irritants

Pollen, dust, and smoke are common summer irritants that can cause redness, itching, or watery eyes.
Tip: Wear sunglasses to block airborne particles, and ask your eye doctor about allergy relief options if symptoms persist.

5. Schedule Your Annual Eye Exam

Summer is a great time to prioritize your vision health. Regular eye exams can detect problems early—even those with no obvious symptoms.
Tip: Book your comprehensive eye exam with Shreveport Eye Specialists to ensure your eyes stay healthy year-round.

Protect Your Eyes, Enjoy Your Summer
A little prevention goes a long way in keeping your eyes comfortable and protected during the hottest months. Whether you need stylish, UV-protective sunglasses or expert care for summer-related eye issues, our team is here to help.

Schedule your next appointment today with Shreveport Eye Specialists—because healthy eyes never take a summer break.

Dr. Russ Van Norman and Team,
Shreveport Eye Specialists

(318) 703-5655 | info@shreveporteyespecialists.com

Demarcus Gilliam

1750090764

Patrick Gallagher

1749561889

Haven't seen Dr. Van Norman in many years!! Started having issues and had no problem getting an appointment. His staff were very friendly and helpful. They all answered my questions and concerns.

Joyce Morris

1749499483

Good honey white time. Good experience.

Kelly Gillis

1749230165

Dr. Van Norman & all of his staff members were excellent. My procedure: cataract removals & LASIX was completely pain free & I have terrific results. Thank you all!

Josh Bonner

1749155340

Fast service, friendly staff, I have no complaints

Mike

1748657710

Amazing everyone on top of things

Lee Stevens

1748012374

Great doctors

Susanne Perrin 3

1748011144

Great doctor everyone there are so nice.

Laura G. Buckner

1747933542

Need a great eye doc? I know a guy. He saved my eye from a nasty fungal infection in spite of predictions he would not. A corneal transplant and cataract removals have meant I can now read without glasses or contact lens. And everyone here CARES about the people they are treating. THE BEST.

Leroy Cawthorne

1747914671

This place is very modern on it's designs. Clean and fresh. The doctor I saw was knowledgeable and I trusted her with my eyes. I would recommend them to my friends.

Mark Burford

1747192994

Dr Van Norman was very thorough and easy to understand... I highly recommend...

Kyla Lee

1745957202

Definitely recommend Dr Borel!!! She & her staff were great!!!

Sharon Boachie

1745951803

Antoinette Turner

1745873072

Tommy Joyner

1745262185

Amazing results

Gae Lewis

1744850993

Went on appointment to get a DBQ& Nexus letters done for VA claim and they wouldn't write my letter because they say they don't take my United healthcare or my VA medical insurance. Man what a kick in the teeth and I'm a USAF VETERAN that needs the letter done buy doctor that diagnosed my condition. It's just a letter that the diagnosing doctor only can wright. So out done, bad enough serving your country even worse when the eye doctor that diagnosed you and did your Lazer percedure want even writ a letter on a piece of paper for you!!!!!!! PS(When I came to your office for a scheduled visit you should've just wrote me a Nexus letter for free just because I'm your patient and also a paying patient.The Nexus letter was your responsibility and used at va claims for va claims. You diagnosed my Glaucoma and did my Lazer percedure.It's sad that you told me to leave just because you no longer take my insurance.

Linda Davis

1744498303

I had a great experience during my visit to the Shreveport Eye Specialist Office. The staff and Dr. Borel were very knowledgeable and extremely friendly. I highly recommend them!

Cheyenne Smith

1744298953

I had a panic attack out of nowhere and they were so helpful and understanding and I appreciate it more than they’ll know!

Sandra Whittlesy

1744134071

Very pleased with Dr Van Norman and Borel also. Very friendly staff I would recommend them to anyone

barry kimble

1744073890

Extremely satisfied with the staff and Dr. Van Norman care and expertise.

Pamala Coker

1743985789

Positive experience. Great customer service and exam.

Haskell Burks

1743470574

Great place to get your eyes examined

Ashley Leslie

1743444303

Everyone was suuuper nice and helpful!

LeAnn Benoit

1743432609

HIGHLY RECOMMEND DR. Bannorman! Amazing bedside manner! He was so thorough with his exam and was sure I was understanding of my situation and sure to make a plan to bring my eyes to their optimal health!!

Robert STEWART

1743365773

Cdub

1742635073

Shreveport Eye Specialists scheduled me on very short notice and the staff were friendly and efficient. Dr. Van Norman was professional and thorough with my examination. This is my new home for eye care!

Ken Chinweze

1742415433

J (Draykeson)

1742307488

I have severe anxiety issues and was afraid of my appt. However these ladies were absolutely amazing. Each one i came in contact with spoke clearly and concisely. They made should I understand what was going on and the next steps to take. I was amazingly blown away by how wonderful and efficient they were. Now I look forward to doing business here.

Colin Stevens

1741035207

Dr. Van Norman was super helpful and explained everything so that I could understand what we needed to do to help my eyes heal.

coleman college

1740093688

Wonderful info. Clear and direct.

Nicolette Carter

1739839366

I had a bad experience because I made an appointment with these people. I get there and they tell me it got canceled because there was no doctor in. Thanks for letting me know at the very last moment when I arrived and tried to get checked in. Not to mention i drove almost an hour just to not get seen.

Robert Weaver

1738922214

From the moment I entered the offices of Shreveport Eye Specialists and after several visits and treatments, my eyes are in their best shape since I was a teenager, so many, many years ago. Every member of the staff I encountered was smiling, friendly and very efficient. My anxieties were put to rest by the clearly explained options for treatment. I would wholeheartedly recommend Dr. VanNorman and Dr. Meyer-Borel to anyone in need of eye care without reservation of any sort.

1737419108

1736734134

1736554929

1736207612

1734713837

(NEW INFO ADDED IN RESPONSE) Twice now has closed early so when I show up to pick up contacts, no one is there. It’s very inconvenient when I leave work early with two small children and no one is there when they say they are supposed to be. Please keep someone there until 5pm when you close!!!
******It won't let me reply to you, but for some clarification:
-The hours online say until 5pm, the hours on your door say until 5pm, and other patients were there with me trying to pick up their contacts/glasses on both occasions. So your explanation of "we tell our patients we close at 4:30" hasn't been working (or isn't real).
-Lastly, when I arrived, it was technically 4:28pm and the doors were already locked and the lights off. You didn't leave at 4:30. You left earlier. I'm nitpicking because your responded like I arrived after your closing hours, but you leave whenever you feel like it. Which is fine, but don't be surprised when people are unhappy for leaving work early to pick up something from a retail shop that doesn't stay open as long as it says it will. Thank you for your reponse.*******

Cary May

1734454090

Best experience I have ever had at an eye doctor. Dr. Van Norman took the time to listen and advised me on the best route to take with my eyes and the surgery turned out great!

Esperenza Drew

1734304902

Danny Oswald

1732141952

A very quick and easy experience! Everyone was extremely friendly, helpful and efficient. I have used many eye care providers and never found any of them that felt as professional and customer/patient focused. I have found my forever eye care home. Thank you all so much!

R.B. Chaffee

1731984645

Dr Rachel Meyer-Borel and her incredibly friendly and accomplished crew are a breath of fresh air. I've been wearing glasses since 1966. 58 years. I don't think I've ever had a better experience. Fast, considerate, thorough, relaxed, and professional. The doc is very personable and great to work with. I was completely satisfied with my exam and I highly recommend Dr R.M-B and crew.
You can find them at Shreveport Eye Specialists on Line Ave by the beautiful Giant Eye Ball.

Kevin

1731961027

Rosie Frazier

1731611062

Dr. Russ Van Norman and the staff at Shreveport Eye Specialists are AMAZING. They took care of me and they were so patient with me making sure that I understood everything that they were doing. I would highly recommend them.

Pearlie Hamilton

1730342388

I am able to see much better after having cataract surgery.

Christina Tweet

1728575666

G&B

1727999088

Friendly and professional service from all the staff. As both I and my wife were both moving forward with lens replacement, the consultation provided us a very thorough understanding of the process to replace our eye lenses and the options available to each of us.

We found Dr. Van Norman to be very compassionate and an excellent surgeon.

Thank you!