When we think about sun protection, most of us immediately reach for sunscreen. But did you know your eyes are just as vulnerable to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays as your skin? Prolonged UV exposure can damage delicate eye tissues and increase the risk of several eye conditions. Protecting your eyes from UV radiation isn’t just about comfort—it’s about preserving your vision for the long term.
The sun emits two main types of UV rays that affect the eyes:
Both types contribute to eye diseases and discomfort if you’re exposed without proper protection.
Just like your skin can get sunburnt, your eyes can too. Photokeratitis is a painful condition caused by short bursts of high UV exposure, often experienced at the beach or snowy mountains.
Long-term exposure to UV rays can cloud the eye’s natural lens, leading to cataracts—a leading cause of blindness worldwide.
UV damage can speed up age-related macular degeneration (AMD), affecting central vision and making daily tasks like reading and driving difficult.
This is a growth on the white part of the eye that can extend onto the cornea, often linked to UV exposure, wind, and dust.
A hat can block up to 50% of UV radiation from reaching your eyes.
UV rays penetrate through clouds, so eye protection is important year-round.
These surfaces reflect sunlight, doubling UV exposure and increasing the risk of photokeratitis.
Children are more susceptible because their eye lenses are clearer, allowing more UV light to enter. Encourage kids to wear hats and sunglasses early to build lifelong habits.
Protecting your eyes from UV damage is simple but essential. Just as you wouldn’t skip sunscreen for your skin, you shouldn’t skip sunglasses for your eyes. A small step today—like wearing UV-blocking eyewear—can help prevent serious vision problems tomorrow.
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