Most of us love spending summer days out in the sun, but simultaneously, we forget the importance of protecting our eyes from UV radiation. Whether you wear sunglasses, safety glasses, prescription glasses, or even contacts, you can get UV protection to help prevent long-term damage to your eyes.
Effects of Long-Term Exposure
You are exposed to UV rays every day when you are out enjoying the sun. You may not even realize it, because it’s part of the non-visible light spectrum. Long-term exposure to even small amounts of UV radiation can increase your risk of developing cataracts or macular degeneration. UV exposure adds up over time, so be cautious even when you’re only spending a short amount of time in the sun. Long-term UV exposure can also cause pingueculae and pterygia, which are tissue elevations on the surface of your eye. While “fun in the sun” is a popular phrase, it’s also important to stay safe in the sun!
Tips to Protect your Eyes
Luckily, there are ways to soak up the sunlight and keep your eyes safe. In the same way that you put sunscreen on your skin, UV coating on eyewear acts as sunscreen for your eyes. New technologies can also eliminate backside UV radiation that comes from light reflected off the backs of lenses!
Here are a few tips to help ensure your eyes are as fully protected as possible against harmful UV rays…
- Wear UV eyewear consistently. Doing so goes a long way in preventing long-term damage. Having multiple pairs of comfortable eyewear is crucial!
- Keep in mind that UV rays also come in through the sides, top, and bottom of eyewear. So if you’re outside a lot, wrap-around sunglasses are a good idea.
- Adding a wide-brimmed hat provides even more protection for areas eyewear cannot protect from reflection.
Have fun in the sun this summer, and schedule an appointment with us to start protecting those eyes!
