What most people refer to as “UV light” is actually two different types of ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV-A light targets your central eye, including your retina; UV-B light affects the front cornea and lens of your eye. Both can cause significant eye damage over time. Part of responsible eye care is protecting your sensitive eyes from these rays to prevent a long list of possible eye conditions. 

What Kind of Damage Can UV Lights Cause?

Macular degeneration, one of the most common causes of blindness in older people, may be caused by long-term UV exposure. UV-B rays, in particular, may also contribute to the development of cataracts. High-intensity exposure to UV-B rays can also cause corneal sunburn, a temporary but painful condition that can cause short-term blindness. Unprotected, repeated exposure to UV can also cause skin cancer in the sensitive skin around the eyes. 

Anyone can be at risk for UV exposure, but your levels of exposure can depend on where you live. Higher altitudes or living near the equator puts you at higher risk, as does spending a majority of outside time in the middle of the day when the sun is strongest. Spending time in the country or wide-open spaces around water or snow can also intensify UV exposure through reflection. 

How Do You Prevent UV Damage? 

Staying out of the sun during dangerous exposure times is recommended—not only for your eye care but skin as well. Whenever you are outside in the sun, be sure to wear UV-blocking sunglasses. Ask your optician for recommendations to get the highest UV light protection possible. Contrary to popular belief, there are several different color lenses that can work; it is the type of glass that is important. When you are outside, be sure to use a higher SPF sunscreen on your face, particularly around the fragile skin surrounding your eyes.  

TriState Centers for Sight has been offering superior eye care and eye surgery to the residents of the greater Cincinnati, OH, area for over 25 years. With several locations to serve you, their dedicated eye doctors practice the most modern eye care available, with ophthalmologists offering treatments for cataracts, glaucoma, and other common surgical ailments. Visit them online to learn more about their services.