When most people think about protecting themselves from the sun, they remember sunscreen. But there’s another part of your body that needs protection too: your eyes.
July is UV Safety Month, making it the perfect time to talk about the effects ultraviolet (UV) rays can have on your vision — and the simple steps you can take to protect your eyes this summer.
Can the Sun Really Damage Your Eyes?
Yes. Just as UV rays can damage your skin, they can also damage the delicate tissues in and around your eyes.
A small amount of sun exposure isn’t usually harmful, but years of unprotected exposure can increase your risk of developing several eye conditions, including:
- Cataracts
- Macular degeneration
- Photokeratitis — a painful sunburn of the cornea caused by intense UV exposure
- Growths on the surface of the eye, such as pterygium (“surfer’s eye”)
The good news is that many of these risks can be reduced with a few simple habits.
How to Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays
Protecting your vision doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few easy ways to keep your eyes safe whenever you’re outdoors.
1.) Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection
Not all sunglasses are created equal. Choose a pair that blocks 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Larger frames or wraparound styles provide even more protection by reducing the amount of sunlight that reaches your eyes from the sides.
2.) Wear a wide-brimmed hat
A hat won’t replace sunglasses, but it can significantly reduce the amount of UV light reaching your eyes and eyelids.
3.) Remember that UV rays are present year-round
Many people associate UV damage with hot summer days, but UV rays are present throughout the year—even when it’s cloudy. Snow, sand, and water can also reflect UV rays, increasing your exposure.
4.) Protect children’s eyes
Children spend a lot of time outdoors, and their eyes are more sensitive to UV radiation than adults’. Encourage them to wear sunglasses and hats whenever they’re outside.
5.) Don’t stare directly at the sun
Even for a few seconds, looking directly at the sun can cause permanent damage to the retina. (This is especially important during solar eclipses, when specialized eye protection is required.)
What Does UV Eye Damage Feel Like?
Sometimes UV damage develops gradually over many years. Other times, after intense sun exposure, symptoms can appear within hours.
You may experience:
- Eye pain or irritation
- Redness
- Excessive tearing
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- A gritty sensation, as though something is in your eye
These symptoms may be signs of photokeratitis, which is essentially a sunburn of the eye.
What Should You Do If You Think Your Eyes Have Been Damaged?
If you’ve spent a long time in the sun and develop symptoms such as pain, blurred vision, or significant light sensitivity, it’s important to give your eyes a chance to recover.
Avoid rubbing your eyes, remove your contact lenses if you wear them, and stay out of bright sunlight while your eyes heal.
If your symptoms are severe, don’t improve within a day or two, or you’re experiencing vision changes, book an eye examination as soon as possible. An eye care professional can determine whether you’ve experienced UV-related damage or whether another condition may be causing your symptoms.
Protect Your Vision for Years to Come
Your eyesight is worth protecting — not just in the summer, but every day of the year.
By wearing quality UV-blocking sunglasses, spending a little extra time in the shade, and scheduling regular eye exams, you can help protect your vision for years to come.
And if you’ve been relying on glasses or contact lenses, there’s never been a better time to explore your vision correction options. At LENS & LASIK, our team can help you determine whether LASIK, Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), or another procedure is right for you.
This summer, look out for the LENS & LASIK Summer Roadshow in partnership with Stingray as we continue sharing the good news about fixing your eyes and changing your life.
Whether you’re out enjoying the season or attending local events, we’d love to connect with you and help you learn more about your vision correction options.
Fix your eyes. Change your life.
Book your vision correction consultation today at lenslasik.com and take the first step toward clearer vision.
If you’ve noticed changes in your vision or have concerns about your eye health — including possible UV-related damage — don’t wait. Schedule an eye examination with an eye care professional as soon as possible.
