Just like your skin, your eyes can be affected by the sun’s harmful UV rays. Long-term exposure to solar radiation can cause harm to the sensitive tissue in the eyes, potentially leading to serious eye diseases. Discover more about the impact of UV rays on eye health and what you can do to protect yourself below. 

A Guide to UV Rays & Your Eyes

What Are the Effects of Repeated UV Exposure?

Long-term UV exposure can cause a number of eye issues, including growths on the eyeball membrane and cataracts. Eye growths, called pterygiums, are particularly common in individuals who spend a significant amount of time outdoors during the brightest times of day, such as farmers. People who spend time near water, including anglers and surfers, are also likely to develop eye damage, as the reflective quality of the water’s surface can cause increased UV exposure.

While cataracts and growths can be removed in many cases, excess sunlight exposure can also contribute to certain serious eye diseases. Eye cancer and macular degeneration, an eye disease which can cause vision loss, can result from excessive exposure from UV rays. 

What Can You Do to Prevent Eye Damage?

Luckily, while the potential damage caused by UV rays is serious, protecting yourself is simple. The best way to avoid sun-related cataracts, eye diseases, and growths is to wear UV-blocking sunglasses year-round. While the sun is brightest in the summer months, UV rays can still affect your eyes in cooler weather or on overcast days. Look for lenses which block out 100% of UV rays, and seek out larger styles to cover the greatest surface of the eye area. For extra protection, consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat and scheduling outdoor activities for the morning or evening, when the sun’s rays aren’t quite as strong.

If you’re seeking protective eyewear to help you minimize the risk of any UV-related eye damage, turn to the office of Alan L. Ginsburg OD. Serving Guilford County, NC, this eye doctor has nearly 40 years’ experience. His office provides a broad range of eye care services, including exams, fittings for glasses and contact lenses, and screenings for eye diseases. Explore their optical services online or call (336) 889-6566 to schedule an appointment.