How to Protect Your Eyes from Sun Exposure
It is a well-known fact that excessive exposure to ultraviolet light is damaging to the health of your eyes, and can lead to the development of eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, and cancer. Prolonged UV exposure can also cause growths to form on the eye, which are difficult to remove. While these conditions may take years for their effects to become apparent, prolonged sun exposure can exacerbate any existing diseases you may already have.
For these reasons, people of all ages need to take precautions when they are outdoors, to avoid putting their eye health at serious risk. Keep in mind these tips and tricks to protect your eyes from the sun this summer:
Wear the Right Sunglasses
One of the most important things you can do to protect your eyes from the elements is to wear sunglasses. But they can’t be just any sunglasses. Make sure that the sunglasses you select have lenses which absorb or block UV light, as this will help to defend against damage to your eyes. To be cautious, you should make sure to wear sunglasses whenever UV light is present, even on overcast days. Fortunately, sunglass lenses come in many different shades and colors, although it is recommended that you use colors such as green, brown, or gray. For extra precaution, make sure that the sunglasses you choose have a tag marked with “The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation” label.
Beware When Outdoors
Keep in mind that direct sunlight isn’t the only threat to your eyes while outdoors. Unfortunately, UV rays reflected off of surfaces can also have very adverse effects to your eyesight. For example, it is estimated that 80 percent of UV rays can be reflected off fresh snow. Adding to this, 15 percent of UV rays can be reflected on dry sand, and up to 25 percent of UV rays can be reflected by sea foam. This is why it’s important to wear a hat with a brim, since UV light is reflected directly into your eyes when you are looking down.
It is also important to note the time of day, and the corresponding intensity of UV rays present at that time. The highest level of UV exposure is during the morning and mid-afternoon, due to the positioning of the sun. This is true for both the eyes and the skin. UV rays are also more intense during the fall, winter, and spring, as the sun is positioned lower in the sky during those seasons.
Schedule an Eye Exam with Dr. Ghosheh
Follow these sun protection tips to keep your eyes working in mint condition for your health and happiness. For optimal eye care, schedule an eye exam with Dr. Ghosheh today and consult his caring staff at Advanced Eye Medical Group.