The days are longer, and there are endless activities to enjoy—yep, summer’s here. But whether you’re spending a little or a lot of time outdoors during the summer months, protecting your eyes from the UV rays is critical.
Unfortunately, eye protection is often the last thing on many people’s minds, especially children’s. But the risks of not protecting your eyes are hardly forgettable. Continue reading to find out more about potential diseases that can develop from improper UV protection, and simple and effective ways you can protect your eyes during the summer months!
How UV Can Hurt Your Eyes
The sun’s UV rays can damage the eye’s surface tissues, as well as the cornea and lens (Tubert). Some of the diseases that can develop from too much UV exposure include, but aren’t limited to, pterygium, photokeratitis, cataracts and eye cancers.
Cataracts and eye cancers can take years to show up, while diseases like pterygium and photokeratitis can develop as early as your teen years or in your 20s.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Eyes from UV Exposure
Luckily, there are ways that you can protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Continue reading to find out what those are.
Wear Hats and Polarized Sunglasses
While sunglasses can be worn for the style factor, you should check that they will properly protect your eyes from the sun’s UV rays. Be sure to select sunglasses that provide 100% UV or UV400 protection, or block both UV-A and UV-B rays. Double up the protection with a hat that covers your entire face.
Stay Out of the Sun
For maximum protection, stay out of the sun when it’s highest in the sky, typically noon to midafternoon. And never look directly at the sun—this may sound like common knowledge, but during eclipses or other solar events, many people turn their eyes to the sky, which can damage the eye’s retina and cause a serious injury known as solar retinopathy.
Got eye problems? Want to experience quality ophthalmology services at prices you can afford and at a facility, you’ll love? Contact us at https://www.myvisionunlimited.com/book-appointment to book an appointment today.
Works Cited
Turbert, David. “The Sun, UV Light and Your Eyes.” American Academy of Ophthalmology, 11 June 2020, https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/sun. Accessed 15 June 2022.