Importance of UV Protection for the Eyes

The National Eye Institute always urges people to raise their level of eye protection when they step into the sunny outdoors. Lately, experts have been emphasizing the fact that the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are becoming more intense. The sun’s rays have UVA and UVB radiation that targets your eye structures. When you step out with naked eyes, you are letting your eyes and vision deteriorate. If you haven’t been vigilant with your ocular health, here’s what you need to know about the importance of UV protection for the eyes.

 

Encourages the Youth

When children spend time outdoors, it’s not their habit to wear UV protective sunglasses or even wear hats to protect their eyes. If you wear your UV blocking eyewear when you step outside, they tend to listen when you tell them to wear theirs. Children follow mostly by example. Starting UV eye protection at an early age lowers your risk of developing eye conditions when you are older.

 

Keeps You Younger-Looking

Your eyes are surrounded by the thinnest layer of skin on your face. Because of this, exposing your ocular area to the sun without any UV protection makes you more vulnerable to early aging. You start having deep lines and crow’s feet at the corners of your eyes. Each day of unprotected sun exposure causes new wrinkles to appear.

 

Averts Temporary Eye Problems

If you are staying somewhere elevated and surrounded by snow, you should always wear UV protective eyewear. The same rule applies to sunny areas surrounded by water or areas covered with sand or concrete. Sunlight is all around you and reflective surfaces such as snow, water, sand, and concrete convey the UV rays onto your eyes even when you look down. Even a brief exposure to direct and reflected sunlight can leave you with photokeratitis and photo conjunctivitis. These short-term eye conditions usually hurt and result in eye redness.

 

Prevents Permanent Eye Issues

Cataracts, pterygium, macular degeneration, and pinguecula are the long-term eye conditions that develop after a long period of unprotected sun exposure. Although medications, diet, and surgery can help manage them, they are irreversible. Protecting your eyes from UV rays helps delay the progression of these eye conditions.

Fights Eye Cancer

According to cancer experts, SCC (squamous cell carcinoma), melanoma, and BCC (basal cell carcinoma) are the cancers that occur in the eye area. About 90 percent of eye cancers are BCCs. Many people are unaware that these serious cancers can occur. Spending time outdoors without any UV eye protection can trigger the onset of eye cancer.


 

UV protection is vital in maintaining your eye and vision health. You can supplement your UV protective sunglasses with UV protective contact lenses, wide-brimmed hats, and bandanas. At In Focus Vision Center, we always remind our patients to wear their UV protective glasses when they’re out in the sun. Our eye doctors also educate them about the detriments of UV-ray exposure. Please visit our clinic in Piscataway, New Jersey, for a one-on-one consultation. You can also call us at 732-313-2570 if you want to set an appointment or make inquiries about our available UV protective eyewear.