Your Eyes Need Sun Protection Too

We know that ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun has a damaging effect on our skin. But many are less aware of the connection between UV rays and the potential damage to your eyes. In fact, many don’t think about eye protection in the winter like they do in the summer months. But it’s important to protect your eyes year-round.

UV Light Damages Eyesight

There are two types of UV rays – UVA and UVB. Exposure to UV light can cause or aggravate certain eye diseases, which affect vision and overall eye health.

Some conditions to be aware of include:

• Macular degeneration: The leading cause of age-related blindness, macular degeneration results from damage to the retina. Exposure over time to UV light increases your risk of developing this condition.
• Photokeratitis: This is a painful, temporary eye condition that is caused by exposure to UV rays. It has been equated to a sunburn of the eye and is caused when the UV rays are reflected off sand, water, ice or snow. You may have heard of “snowblindness,” which is a form of photokeratitis. Symptoms, which can last from six to 24 hours, may include blurriness, tearing, swelling, gritty sensation in the eye, headache, light sensitivity, seeing halos and temporary vision loss.
• Skin cancer: The skin around the eyelids is susceptible to UV exposure, which can cause cancer. While skin cancers can take years to develop, your risk of developing increases each time you soak up the sun without eye protection.
• Cataracts: This condition involves clouding of the eye lens and can be caused by ongoing or long-term exposure to UV light.

Sun Protection For Your Eyes

• Wear sunglasses that block 99% to 100% UVA and UVB radiation.
• If you wear contact lenses, be sure to check if they are UV-blocking contacts. Your eye doctor can recommend appropriate lenses to prevent UV damage.
• Wear a broad-brimmed hat to shade your eyes.
• Clouds do not block UV light, so protection is important even on hazy or cloudy days.
• Avoid tanning beds, as they create the same risk to your eyes as to your skin.
• Use eye protection if you are using certain medications like tetracycline, sulfa drugs, birth control pills, diuretics and tranquilizers that can cause increased sensitivity to UV light.

While healthy exposure to sunlight can have positive effects, the preventative steps outlined here can help protect your eyes from damage. In addition, be sure to schedule regular eye exams, which are key to detecting and monitoring eye damage that can occur from sun exposure.

Related:
Why Wear Sunscreen in the Winter
Got Scratchy Red Eyes?