How to Protect Your Eyes From the Sun

How to Protect Your Eyes From the Sun
Posted on 04/12/2021

The sun provides the world with essential light and warmth, but there are risks that come with its immensely powerful rays. UV radiation can infiltrate your DNA and lead to cancers, premature aging, and more. Learning how to take care of your eyes is essential to long-term quality vision. In order to avoid certain eye conditions, you’ll need to take precautions when out in the sun.

Risks of UV Radiation Exposure

The sun exposes our eyes to UV radiation, which can cause a range of serious eye conditions. This includes:

  • Cataracts - A type of treatable blindness that clouds and yellows your eye’s lens
  • Conjunctival cancers - These are malignant cancers that can grow on the eye
  • Keratitis - This is an inflammatory condition that affects the cornea, and is also known as corneal sunburn
  • Macular degeneration - This causes vision loss due to cumulative UV damage to the retina, and usually affects those 60 and older

Wear Polarized Sunglasses with UV Protection

Polarized lenses contain light-blocking filters that are designed to reduce glare caused by the reflection of light. This allows you to see better when it’s bright out, but it doesn’t necessarily protect you from ultraviolet rays. Because of this, make sure your sunglasses also have UV protection.

Wear a Brimmed Hat

A brimmed hat can block out about half of the sun’s UV rays. Just opt for hats that have at least a three-inch brim.

Seek Shade When Possible

While it’s not possible to avoid the sun altogether, opt for the shade when you can. The shade is the strongest during the middle of the day, from about 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and during spring and summer months.

Visit Your Eye Doctor Regularly

Schedule regular visits with your eye doctor to ensure your optimal health. We recommend getting an eye exam every one to two years, but this depends on your age, risk factors, and whether or not you wear glasses. If you notice any changes in your eyes, make an appointment immediately!

Come See Us at Country Hills!

At Country Hills Eye Center, our renowned eye physicians and surgeons offer expert care to our Ogden community in a wide range of eye care services including:

  • Diabetic Eye Care
  • Dry Eye
  • Lasik
  • Retinal Disorders, and more!

Protect your eyes. Make an appointment online or call us at (888) 393-2687. We look forward to seeing you!

Thank you for trusting us with your vision care.