UV Safety Month: Protecting Your Eyes This Summer
When most people think of sun protection, they reach for sunscreen to shield their skin. But did you know that your eyes are just as vulnerable to ultraviolet (UV) radiation? Without proper protection, the sun’s rays can lead to serious eye problems over time. Every July, organizations like the American Academy of Ophthalmology observe UV Safety Month to raise awareness about the dangers of UV exposure. At Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, we believe these reminders shouldn’t be limited to one month. Protecting your eyes from UV rays is a year-round priority, especially during the sunniest summer months.
Whether you’re soaking up rays at the beach, enjoying a backyard barbecue, or simply driving with the windows down, here’s what you need to know about UV protection for your eyes and how to reduce your risk of sun-related eye damage.
How Do UV Rays Affect Your Eyes?
UV rays aren’t just a risk for your skin. Over time, UV exposure can contribute to serious eye conditions, including:
- Cataracts: UV rays speed up the breakdown of proteins in the lens of the eye, leading to clouding and vision loss.
- Macular degeneration: Long-term UV exposure may increase the risk of damage to the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision.
- Pterygium (surfer’s eye): A growth on the white part of the eye that can extend onto the cornea, causing irritation and vision changes.
- Photokeratitis (sunburn of the eye): Short-term, intense UV exposure, like a day at the beach without eye protection, can temporarily burn the cornea, causing pain, redness, and blurry vision.
It’s important to remember that UV damage to the eyes is cumulative, building up over the years. That’s why protecting your eyes from a young age and making sun safety a habit matters for lifelong eye health.
Who’s Most at Risk for Eye-related UV Damage?
While everyone’s eyes are susceptible to UV damage, certain people face a higher risk of UV-related eye problems. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, factors that can increase your vulnerability include:
- People who’ve had cataract surgery years ago. Older intraocular lenses aren’t very UV-absorbent, making the eye more sensitive to UV light.
- Individuals with light-colored eyes. Having light-colored eyes, such as blue or green eyes, may increase the risk of rare eye cancers, including uveal melanoma.
- Patients receiving photodynamic therapy. Often used to treat age-related macular degeneration, this therapy may make you more sensitive to UV rays, and your ophthalmologist may recommend avoiding sun exposure temporarily after treatment.
- People taking photosensitizing medications. Certain antibiotics, diuretics, birth control pills, and antihistamines may make the eyes more sensitive to sunlight.
How to Protect Your Eyes During UV Safety Month and Beyond
Luckily, UV protection for your eyes is simple. Here’s how you can safeguard your vision while enjoying the outdoors:
1. Wear UV-blocking Sunglasses
Not all sunglasses are created equal. Look for a label that says 100% UVA and UVB protection or “UV400.” Oversized or wraparound styles offer additional coverage by minimizing sunlight from the sides.
Polarized lenses help reduce glare (great for water or snow activities), but they aren’t a substitute for UV protection, so always check that they block UV rays.
2. Add a Hat for Extra Defense
A wide-brimmed hat can block up to 50% of UV rays from reaching your eyes and eyelids. This added layer of shade helps reduce cumulative exposure, especially for the delicate skin around the eyes, which is prone to skin cancer.
3. Don’t Skip UV Protection for Kids
Children’s eyes are more susceptible to UV damage than adults, making sun protection early in life critical. Be sure your child wears UV-blocking sunglasses and a hat whenever they’re outside.
4. Consider UV-protective Contact Lenses
Some contact lenses offer built-in UV protection as an extra layer of defense. These should be worn in addition to sunglasses, not as a replacement, since they don’t cover the entire eye.
5. Stay Sun-smart Even on Cloudy Days
UV rays pass through clouds and reflect off surfaces like water, sand, and concrete. Make sunglasses and hats a daily habit, not just for sunny beach days.
Keep Your Eyes Safe During UV Safety Month and All Year Round
While UV Safety Month in July is a great time to raise awareness, protecting your eyes from UV rays is a year-round responsibility. At Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, we encourage our patients to treat UV protection as an everyday priority, because your eyes never take a day off.
Regular eye exams are another critical part of long-term eye health. If you’re due for a checkup or noticing changes in your vision, click here to schedule an appointment with our ophthalmology team. We’re here to help you protect your vision this summer and beyond.
