While sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin during the warmer months, your eyes also need care. With more time spent outdoors in the summer, studies show that prolonged sun exposure can increase the risk of cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and even eye cancers.
UV radiation, whether from the sun or artificial indoor sources, can harm the surface tissues, cornea, and lens of the eye. Many are unaware of the dangers UV light poses to eye health. However, by wearing UV-blocking sunglasses, you can lower your risk of developing serious eye conditions and still enjoy the summer. Protecting your eyes early in life helps prevent long-term damage from cumulative UV exposure.
Here are key tips to protect your eyes from the sun:
• Choose sunglasses that block UV rays: Don’t judge a pair by their color or price. UV protection isn’t determined by how dark the lenses are or their cost.
• Ensure full UVA and UVB coverage: Look for sunglasses that block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays.
• Go for wraparound styles: Sunglasses that wrap around to your temples provide extra protection, blocking UV rays from the sides.
• Add a hat for extra coverage: A broad-brimmed hat shields your eyes from additional sunlight.
• Don’t depend solely on contact lenses: Even if your contact lenses have UV protection, you should still wear sunglasses to fully safeguard your eyes.
• Don’t be fooled by cloudy skies: UV rays can penetrate through haze and thin clouds. Sun damage can happen any time of year, so wear sunglasses whenever you're outdoors.
• Avoid direct sun exposure: Looking directly at the sun, especially during an eclipse, can cause permanent eye damage, including solar retinopathy.
• Be mindful during peak sun hours: UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If you need to be outside, make sure to wear sunglasses and a hat for extra protection.
• Protect everyone in the family: UV damage affects people of all ages, so be sure to protect the eyes of children and seniors, too.
Enjoy the summer sun, but remember to safeguard your eyes while you’re outdoors!