How do UV rays affect your eyes?
You’ve probably gotten a sunburn before, and you’re probably aware that spending too much time in the sun without protection can cause skin cancer. However, you may not be aware that the sun’s UV rays can also cause problems with your eyes, and protecting them from sun exposure is just as important as protecting your skin.
UV exposure puts you at increased risk for eye problems including:
- Cataracts: “Cloudiness” of your eye’s lenses, which affects many older people but may be more common among people with prolonged sun exposure
- Macular degeneration: An age-related eye condition that can cause a loss of central vision, which may result in part from sun exposure over time
- Photokeratitis: Similar to a sunburn, but affecting your eyes, a temporary but painful condition that appears within a few hours of unprotected sun exposure
Sunlight can be good for you, but it’s also important to protect your eyes. Even if the sun doesn’t bother you, exposure to UV rays can still be damaging.
What protection can sunglasses provide?
The best way to prevent the harmful effects of UV exposure on your eyes is making sure to wear sunglasses with 100% protection from UV rays when you’re outside. In fact, you shouldn’t save them only for sunny days. It’s a good idea to have them on throughout daylight hours, even if it’s cloudy because UV rays can find their way through the clouds.
In addition to UV protection, you may find it much more comfortable to be outdoors when you wear polarized sunglasses. It’s frustrating having to squint all the time, and some people are especially sensitive to brightness and glare.
How do I know what sunglasses are right for me?
Our Visions by the Bay Optical Studio offers a wide selection of designer sunglasses, and there’s sure to be a pair that suits you. Our trained opticians will help explain the features and benefits of the many different types of sunglasses lenses. Our sunglass lenses are available with and without prescription.
