The Sun and Your Eyes + Essential Tips for UV Eye Protection
It’s crucial to protect your eyes every day of the year, but particularly in the summer. Over time, too much sun exposure can cause cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and eyelid cancer. In the short term, you can experience painful, severely sunburned eyes. You can protect your eyes from harmful UV rays by:
1. Wearing Proper Sunglasses
It’s important to invest in sunglasses from a reliable source that is rated to block 100% of the sun’s UV rays. You should wear your sunglasses outdoors, even on cloudy days. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, you should choose sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays. If you aren’t sure what type of sunglasses offer the best UV protection, ask your retina specialist.
2. Wearing a Brimmed Hat
A sturdy, wide-brimmed hat can help further protect your eyes from UV rays. In addition to protecting your eyes, a UPF-rated hat can shield your face and neck, preventing premature wrinkles and other signs of sun damage.
3. Practicing Smart Sun Strategies
Keep these facts in mind as you plan your next outdoor adventure to protect your eyes from the sun:
- Timing: UV radiation is at its strongest between 10 am and 2 pm.
- Seasonality: UV rays are more intense in the spring and summer months.
- Medications: Certain medications, including diuretics, tranquilizers, birth control pills, antibiotics, antifungals, and antihistamines, can make you more sensitive to UV radiation.
- Surface reflections: UV rays can bounce off of surfaces like water, pavement, concrete, and snow.
- Cloud coverage: Even if it’s a cloudy day, UV rays can pass through and reach the ground.
- Altitude: Taking up hiking this summer? The higher you go, the more UV radiation you’ll be exposed to.
You should also avoid man-made sources of UV radiation that can damage your eyes, such as tanning beds and UV phototherapy.
4. Seeing a Retina Specialist
The eyes are sensitive, especially the retinas, which are the light-sensitive inner layers lining the back of the eyes. A retina specialist can answer questions regarding your vision and create an effective treatment plan if you experience any sun damage.
Get Top-Rated Retina Care Near You
The sun can burn your eyes, and continued, unprotected exposure to UV rays can cause painful eye conditions that lead to vision loss. At Palmetto Retina Center, our experienced retina specialists can address your concerns and offer you the resources necessary to protect your retinas from harmful UV rays all year long. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment at one of our South Carolina locations.