Eight Tips to Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays | Ultraviolet Awareness Month

With summer right around the corner, many people will spend more time outdoors. But while you’re enjoying all that time in the sunshine, it’s important to keep safety in mind. May is Ultraviolet Awareness Month, and it is a good opportunity to learn more about how you can protect your eyes from damage from UV rays. 

How do UV rays damage the eye?

Ultraviolet light is a type of radiation. The main source for most people is the rays from the sun. Lasers, welding machines, and tanning beds can also produce UV rays. Exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun or other sources can increase your chances of developing certain eye conditions, such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and skin cancer on and around the eyelids.

Too much sun exposure can also lead to a corneal burn. Similar to how you get a sunburn, you can also burn the cornea. A corneal burn is more likely to occur at high altitudes or in locations where the sun reflects off the water.

In addition to damaging the eye and possibly vision, too much sun exposure can also speed the development of wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes. 
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Tips to reduce damage from UV rays 

Protecting your eyes from damage from ultraviolet rays does not mean you have to avoid spending time outside. There are several ways you can enjoy the outdoors and still protect your eyes and vision. Consider the following suggestions:

Wear sunglasses: One of the main things you can do to prevent damage from UV rays is to wear sunglasses. When choosing glasses, look for glasses that provide 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. Consider oversized glasses that may offer better protection from the sun than smaller glasses.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat: A wide-brimmed hat provides additional protection from the sun. It is especially helpful if you will be spending time outside where shade is not available. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a three-inch brim to get adequate protection.

Avoid the sun at the strongest times of the day: The sun is most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If possible, try to avoid sun exposure during this time of the day. If you are outside during peak times, try to find shade.

Use sunscreen: Excess exposure to the sun is one of the main risk factors for developing skin cancer. Skin cancer can occur anywhere on your body, including your eyelids and the skin around your eyes. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, about 5 to 10 percent of skin cancers involve the eyelids. Select a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15 for your face and reapply it every two hours.

Practice UV protection every day of the year: It is a common misconception that sun damage only occurs during the summer or on sunny days. But UV rays penetrate the clouds and can cause damage to the eyes regardless of the season. Stick to your sun protection plan all year long.

Get the right frames: Frame styles that provide the best coverage include larger frames or wraparound styles that block UV rays from the side.

Start young: Damage from UV rays is accumulative. Damage can start from a young age. Even young children should wear sunscreen on their face and sunglasses to protect their eyes.  

Remember other sources of UV: Although the sun is the main source of UV exposure for most, there are also other sources. For example, tanning beds and welding lamps also emit ultraviolet rays.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, exposure to ultraviolet rays from tanning beds may cause damage to the external and internal structure of the eyes. The beds may emit even greater amounts of radiation than the sun.
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If you have any questions about eye health or UV ray eye protection or would like to discuss whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, please call our office at 508-746-8600.