The sun is a wonderful thing. It’s beautiful, provides us with the light we need to survive, and can make us feel happy and relaxed,
But too much of a good thing can be bad for you, especially your eyes. The sun can cause eye diseases like cataracts, macular degeneration, and cancer.
Yes, several prescription services allow you to get glasses same day in case you need them urgently. But you can also do other things to protect your eyes from the sun.
This article will discuss how to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of UV radiation. We’ll discuss why it’s essential and what you can do to prevent eye diseases caused by the sun.
Sun Damage
You need to know about the different categories of UV radiation. This is vital when discussing eye protection from UV radiation.
UVC
This is the most powerful and dangerous type of UV radiation. It’s the part of sunlight that causes sunburn. But Earth’s ozone layer filters it before it reaches our planet.
UVB
This is the type of UV radiation that causes sunburns and skin cancer. It also penetrates our atmosphere more deeply than UVA. Therefore, it can damage your eyes.
UVA
This type of UV radiation is less dangerous than UVB, but can still cause skin damage and eye diseases. UVA is the prime culprit behind cataracts and macular degeneration.
Symptoms
Eye damage from the sun is a cumulative process. Your eyes can take years to suffer the effects of UV radiation. Also, it’s not always immediately apparent when damage occurs.
Sometimes, you may not notice anything until a later date. Therefore, you should know the symptoms of eye damage from the sun. Some of these symptoms include:
- Blurred vision
- Itches and burns in your eyes.
- Redness or swelling of the eyelids
- Decreased ability to focus on distant objects.
Treatments
Successful treatment of sun-related eye damage depends on the severity of your condition. If you have mild symptoms, your eye doctor may advise you to wear sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection.
This can help prevent further damage and reduce the risk of infection. You should also see a doctor as soon as possible to determine if any treatment is necessary.
Sometimes, you may require surgery to repair the damage caused by UV exposure. Surgery is often effective and can help restore your vision to normal.
However, a doctor will recommend surgery only for severe cases. They can also recommend it when other treatments haven’t worked. This is because it’s invasive and has a risk of complications.
Protecting Your Eyes Against Sun Damage
Protecting your eyes against sun damage is essential if you spend a lot of time outdoors. To help protect your eyes from UV exposure, we will highlight tips you can use depending on your location.
Beach
Beaches can reflect UV rays, so it’s essential to wear a hat and sunglasses when you’re at the beach. This will help protect your eyes from damage caused by the sun’s harmful rays.
City
Cities with tall glass buildings can reflect the sun’s rays. So, it’s essential to wear sunglasses when walking around. This will help protect your eyes from damage caused by UV exposure.
Mountain
Ice and snow reflect UV rays. Therefore, you must wear sunscreen and sunglasses when skiing or snowboarding. That way, you can avoid eye damage.
Can Sunscreen for Your Face Also Protect Your Eyes?
Yes. Many skin care products contain sunscreen. So, they can help protect your eyes from damage caused by UV rays. But you must remember to apply these products with a gentle touch and rub them well to work effectively.
Sunglasses for UV Protection
Many types of sunglasses provide UV protection, including polarized sunglasses. These are made with a special lens that prevents certain types of light from reaching your eyes.
Polarized lenses reduce glare. They also improve contrast when looking at objects at a distance.
The other type of sunglasses that provide UV protection is photochromic lenses. These are made of special materials that darken when exposed to UV rays and light. This allows you to wear them in any weather.
When to See a Doctor
You must see a doctor if you’re concerned about your eyesight. It’s also essential to do so if you haven’t been able to find the right pair of sunglasses. They can evaluate your eyes and determine whether prescription lenses are necessary.
Seeing a doctor is also crucial if you have pain, redness, or irritation. If you wear prescription sunglasses, you must have regular eye exams. This way, your doctor can check their fit and make necessary adjustments.
Conclusion
Sun-related eye problems can be severe, but you can also prevent them. Following the tips above, you can protect your eyes from sun damage. You’ll also get the most out of your prescription sunglasses.