UV radiation, whether it is from the sun's rays or from tanning beds, can damage your eyes' surface tissues as well as the cornea and lens. Eyes are at risk of getting injured year-round, and not just in the summer months. It is emphasized more in summer months because that is when people are apt to spend the most time outdoors and have exposure to bright light conditions. Excessive exposure to UV light can be reflected off sand, water or pavement and can cause damage to the eyes' front surface. According to Michael Kutryb, MD, ophthalmologist in Edgewater, Fla., and clinical correspondent for the Academy of Ophthalmology.
In addition to cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), sun exposure can lead to lesions and tumors that may be cosmetically unappealing and require surgical removal. Pinguecula, tiny yellow bumps on the eye, are common from too much UV exposure. They begin on the white part of the eye and may eventually disrupt your vision.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology offers these tips to protect your eyes from the sun:
- Don’t focus on color or darkness of sunglass lenses: Select sunglasses that block UV rays. Don’t be deceived by color or cost. The ability to block UV light is not dependent on the price tag or how dark the sunglass lenses are.
- Check for 100 percent UV protection: Make sure your sunglasses block 100 percent of UV-A rays and UV-B rays.
- Choose wrap-around styles: Ideally, your sunglasses should wrap all the way around to your temples, so the sun’s rays can’t enter from the side where many sunglass lens end.
- Wear a hat: In addition to your sunglasses, wear a broad-brimmed hat to protect your eyes.
- Don’t rely on contact lenses: Even if you wear contact lenses with UV protection, remember your sunglasses.
- Don’t be fooled by clouds: The sun’s rays can pass through haze and thin clouds. Sun damage to eyes can occur anytime during the year, not just in the summertime.
- Protect your eyes during peak sun times: Sunglasses should be worn whenever outside, and it’s especially important to wear sunglasses in the early afternoon and at higher altitudes, where UV light is more intense.
- Never look directly at the sun. Looking directly at the sun at any time, including during an eclipse, can lead to solar retinopathy, damage to the eye’s retina from solar radiation.
- Don’t forget the kids: Everyone is at risk, including children. Protect their eyes with hats and sunglasses. In addition, try to keep children out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest.
