Protect Your Eyes from Harmful UV Rays

As the days grow longer and temperatures grow hotter, it’s time to spend some time outdoors. However, it’s not all fun and games — the sun’s harmful UV rays can cause serious damage. You likely slather on sunscreen before you go outside to protect your skin, but you may not be doing enough to protect your eyes.

In this blog post, we’ll talk about what UV rays are, their harmful effects on your eye health, and how you can protect yourself from the sun this summer.

What Are UV Rays?

UV rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation that is invisible to the human eye. Due to its short wavelength, UV rays have a high frequency and contain a lot of energy, which is what makes them so dangerous. 

There are three types of UV light:

• UVA emits the least amount of energy, causing wrinkles and sunspots.
• UVB rays emit slightly more energy than UVA. It damages DNA directly and is responsible for sunburns and most UV-related cancers. When it comes to UV damage, UVB rays are the ones to be most concerned about. 
• UVC emits the highest amount of energy, but it’s mostly blocked by the ozone layer of the atmosphere. 

The Harmful Effects of UV Rays

UV rays can penetrate and damage eye tissues, causing various health concerns and affecting vision. Excessive UV exposure can lead to:

Pinguecula and Pterygium

Pingueculas are protein and fat deposits located on the white part of the eye (sclera). A pterygium, sometimes known as a surfer’s eye, is a growth extending from the sclera to the cornea, which covers the pupil and iris. While neither of these conditions is particularly dangerous, they may cause irritation and redness and may have to be surgically removed if they affect your vision.

Cataracts

Your eyes contain clear lenses that help to focus light. When those lenses are exposed to too much UV radiation, they can sustain damage from oxidative stress and become cloudy, leading to cataracts. This damage is irreversible; the only treatment available is surgery. 

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration occurs when the macula, a part of the retina, is damaged. While the precise causes of this condition are unknown, exposure to UV rays is believed to be a contributing factor. Individuals with AMD have impaired central vision, which means they cannot clearly see things right in front of them. 

Cancer

UV exposure damages DNA, contributing to the development of ocular cancers, the most common of which is ocular melanoma. Other forms of ocular cancer include primary intraocular lymphoma and retinoblastoma, orbital cancers, and adnexal cancers. 

How to Protect Your Eyes From the Sun

Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself from the sun’s UV rays. Before having some fun in the sun, remember these essential tips:

Wear Sunglasses

Sunglasses are your eyes’ number one defense against UV rays. When shopping for a new pair of sunglasses, only buy those that provide 100 percent UV or UV400 protection — they should have a sticker or tag that indicates what kind of protection they offer. Consider sunglasses with large lenses to minimize the amount of unfiltered sunlight that reaches your eyes.

For maximum sun defense, wear a wide-brimmed hat along with your sunglasses. Along with shielding your face and neck from the sun, wearing a hat further reduces glare and provides an extra layer of protection for your eyes. 

Don’t Forget Your Eyelids

Your eyelids are the thinnest skin on your body, making them especially vulnerable to UV damage. Excessive sun exposure can lead to wrinkles, dryness, sagging, uneven pigmentation, and loss of elasticity, not to mention skin cancer. While sunglasses shield your eyelids from the sun, you should also wear sunscreen to ensure your most delicate skin is completely protected.

Be Mindful of Conditions

Be mindful of outdoor conditions before deciding to spend time outside. Sunlight is typically strongest from around 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., so limit your time outdoors to mornings and evenings whenever possible. Check the UV index for the day — anything above a 6 means a high risk of UV-related harm. Additionally, keep in mind that clouds don’t block UV rays, so you still need to take precautions on overcast days. 

Sunglasses at Wolcott Optical

At Wolcott Optical, we are proud to offer a comprehensive range of sunglasses from all your favorite brands. Whether you prefer a sleek, sporty look or a trendy vintage style, we have the perfect pair for you. Visit our store in Millcreek, Utah, to browse sunglasses that offer protection from UV rays without compromising on style.