Did you know that your eyes need protection from the sun just as much as your skin? Prolonged exposure to harmful UV rays can cause short- and long-term eye damage. Our resident eye doctor at Vienna Eyecare Center discusses the importance of shielding your eyes from UV damage. We’ll also provide some helpful tips to ensure your eyes stay healthy and safe.
Understanding UV Rays
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are invisible radiation emitted by the sun, and come in three types: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. The Earth’s atmosphere filters out UV-C rays, but UV-A and UV-B rays can still make their way to the surface and pose a risk to your eyes. Besides the sun, tanning beds are another common source of harmful UV rays.
Risks of UV Damage to the Eyes
Exposure to UV rays can lead to several eye-related health issues. These include:
- Cataracts. This condition is characterized by the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, resulting in blurred vision and, eventually, blindness.
- Macular Degeneration. The leading cause of vision loss in the United States, macular degeneration is the breakdown of the retina’s central portion, known as the macula.
- Photokeratitis. Also known as a “sunburn of the eye”, photokeratitis is a painful inflammation of the cornea caused by UV exposure.
- Skin Cancer Around the Eyes. Prolonged UV exposure can lead to skin cancer on the eyelids and surrounding skin.
Preventative Measures
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays:
- Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection. An optometrist can help you get lenses that block out 100% of UVA and UVB rays. High-quality lenses are crucial for adequate eye protection. Additionally, choose sunglasses with a proper fit and coverage to shield your eyes from all angles.
- Don a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors, as it provides extra shade for your eyes and face.
- Seek shade during peak UV hours, which are typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Steer clear of tanning beds to avoid unnecessary exposure to UV rays.
- Schedule regular eye exams with an eye doctor to monitor your eye health and detect any signs of UV damage early.
In addition to regular eye exams, see an eye doctor if you experience symptoms that may indicate UV damage, such as blurred vision, eye pain or irritation, or increased sensitivity to light.
How Vienna Eyecare Center Can Help
At Vienna Eyecare Center, we are committed to providing comprehensive eye care that includes eye exams, diagnosis, and treatment of UV-related eye conditions. Our team can also assist you in selecting the perfect sunglasses that provide effective UV protection and cater to your style.
Call Vienna Eyecare Center at (703) 938-7633, or fill out our online contact form to get started. We serve residents of Fairfax, VA, and the surrounding areas.
