Eye doctors know the sun’s ultraviolet rays help the body synthesize vitamin D, which is essential for good bone health. But, they remind patients that eyes need protection from powerful UV light. Based in Fairbanks, AK, the optometrists at West Valley Vision Center offer vision care tips for spending time outdoors. Here, these dedicated eye doctors share a guide to reducing the risk of harm from UV rays.

Do:

Wear sunglasses.

In addition to filtering light, sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays. If you wear prescription glasses, ask your eye doctor about prescribing sunglasses. Wearing them can reduce long-term UV exposure that may cause skin cancers around the eyes, macular degeneration, and cataracts.

Consider polarized lenses.

Polarized lenses block the sun’s glare, which intensifies when reflected off of ice, snow, water, and wet roads. Coated with a special film, these lenses help you see more clearly, and reduce eye strain while providing protection from UV rays.

Wear a hat.

Combining a wide-brim hat or cap with your sunglasses is more than a fashion statement. Eye doctors recommend wearing an extended brim to add another layer of UV protection for eyes.

Don’t:

Look directly into the sun.

Looking into the sun can lead to solar retinopathy, causing rare but permanent eye damage. Sun rays are powerful enough to burn the retina, destroying cells necessary for maintaining central vision. 

Drive without UV protection.

While tinted car windshields offer up to 96% UV protection, only 14% of side windows protect your eyes enough. Sunglasses labeled UV400 or 100% UV protection are excellent choices for driving and other activities in the sun.

Let clouds fool you.

UV rays pass through clouds, so don’t take off your sunglasses just because the sun is shaded or it’s hazy outside. Eye doctors say the whole family should wear sun protection even on cloudy days.

Taking precautions against damaging UV rays now protects your eyesight for the future. For comprehensive eye exams, prescription glasses, or sunglasses, contact the eye doctors at West Valley Vision Center in Fairbanks, AK. These compassionate and skilled optometrists will help your vision last a lifetime. Call (907) 479-4700 for an appointment or visit their website now for more information about their services.