What is a heatwave?
A heatwave is defined as a period of very high temperatures day and night for at least three consecutive days. The definition of a heatwave is therefore based on two parameters: heat and duration.
What are the risks associated with a heatwave?
If you are exposed to high heat for too long, you risk severe fatigue, dehydration, heatstroke, or even hyperthermia.
The most vulnerable people and those most exposed to heat are particularly at risk. People over 65 sweat little and have more difficulty maintaining their body temperature at 37°. In contrast, children sweat a lot to maintain their temperature, so they risk dehydration. Finally, pregnant women must be very careful and take it easy.
What recommendations should be followed?
Simple actions can prevent accidents. You must anticipate and not wait until you feel unwell to act.
- drink water regularly
- cool yourself down
- eat cold food
- do not drink alcohol
- avoid going out between 11 am and 4 pm, stay in a cool place
- avoid physical exertion
- keep your home cool
- use a mister and a fan
- consult and inform yourself on Météo France
What are the risks for my eyes during a heatwave?
Your eyes are an extremely sensitive part of your body and they need your attention during this heatwave.
- Your eyes are composed of 98% water, so during a heatwave, they risk becoming dry. You will then feel great visual fatigue, headaches, the sensation of having dry eyes like sand in your eyes...
- Pollution increases during a heatwave (due to stagnant air), so your eyes are more exposed to infections.
- Be careful with allergies, dehydrated eyes are even more sensitive.
- Conjunctivitis is on the rise during heatwaves: red, dry, and itchy eyes are all recognizable signs of this infection. Beware, it's contagious! Consult your doctor.
- Fans and air conditioning will cool you down, but be careful, this also accelerates ocular dryness.
- For contact lens wearers, dryness will be even more significant, take a break to avoid wearing your lenses too much.
What solutions are there to take care of your eyes during a heatwave?
You can:
- use physiological saline drops to hydrate your eyes
- sleep well to rest your eyes
- drink at least 8 glasses of water a day
- splash cold water on your face and eyes regularly
- wear solar reading glasses or sunglasses outdoors with 100% UV protection
Solar reading glasses and sunglasses with 100% UV protection at Varionet
