Protect Your Eyes from the Summer Sun and More Tips to Help No Matter What Season
By Lawrence Najarian, M.D. & Lisa Ortenzio, D.O.
Q. Why should I be concerned about the effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays on my eyes?
A. Summertime often means long hours in the sun. Most of us remember to protect our skin from UV rays by applying sunblock, but your eyes need protection as well. It is important to start wearing proper eye protection at an early age to shield your eyes from years of ultraviolet exposure.
Q. What kind of damage can UV rays cause?
A. Too much exposure to UV light raises your risk of eye diseases and other problems, such as:
- Cataracts and eye cancers can take years to develop. Each time you bask in the sun without eye protection, you increase your risk of serious disease. Babies and children need to wear hats and sunglasses for this very reason. People of all ages should take precautions whenever they are outdoors.
- Growths on the eye, such as pterygium, can show up in our teens or 20s. Surfers, skiers, fishermen, farmers, and others who spend long hours under the midday sun or near rivers, oceans, and mountains are at risk.
- Snow blindness, a form of photokeratitis, can quickly develop after exposure to UV reflections off of snow, ice, sand, or water.
Q. What is the best way to protect my eyes from UV rays?
A. There is a simple solution: Whenever you are outside, wear sunglasses that provide UV protection.
Q. How do I know if my sunglasses will protect my eyes?
A. Always check the UV rating before purchasing sunglasses. Choose sunglasses that provide 100% UV or UV400 protection or block both UV-A and UV-B rays.
Additional tips to protect your eyes from UV damage, no matter what the season:
- Wear a hat along with your sunglasses. Broad-brimmed hats are best.
- Protect children and senior citizens with hats and sunglasses. Everyone is at risk for sun damage.
- Know that clouds don’t block UV light. The sun’s rays can pass through haze and clouds.
- Sunlight is strongest midday to early afternoon, at higher altitudes, and when reflected off of water, ice, or snow.
- Never look directly at the sun. Doing so at any time, including during an eclipse, can damage the eye’s retina and cause a serious injury known as solar retinopathy.
- Avoid tanning beds. Tanning beds pose the same risks to your eyes and body as outdoor UV light.
By embracing these simple guidelines, you and your family can enjoy the sun safely all year long. If you have questions about your vision, be sure to reach out to your eye care provider.
Our mission is to uniquely provide the most advanced vision technology and the best possible care while exceeding our patients’ expectations in every way. This is and has been our guiding light since we opened the doors in Bedminster, NJ in 1988.
With more than 30 years of experience, the doctors at Bedminster Eye & Laser Center deliver trusted, full-service eye care with offices in Bedminster and Teaneck. Dr. Lawrence Najarian is Founder and Medical Director of the Bedminster Eye and Laser Center and a Board-Certified Ophthalmologist. Lisa Ortenzio is a Doctor of Optometry. We provide everything you need for your best vision, from the latest advances in medical and surgical care to selecting the right eyewear.
400 Main Street • Bedminster, NJ • 908-781-2020
