It’s a New Year. Have You Scheduled Your Annual Eye Exam?
As you set your goals for the new year, improving your eye health and vision might not be high on the list. Here’s why it should be.
The Importance of Protecting Your Eyes from the Sun
Living in a place where we enjoy sunshine year-round has definite perks. But an overlooked potential drawback is that you need to be aware of the damage ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause to your eyes.
The providers at Cataract & Vision Center of Hawaii want you to enjoy both the joys of outdoor activities and healthy vision. We’ve put together this blog post to explain why it’s important to protect your eyes as well as a few tips that could be helpful.
How the sun can cause problems for your eyes
The electromagnetic spectrum includes gamma-rays, X-rays, radio waves, microwaves, infrared light, and visible light. The only part of it that humans can see is visible light. Ultraviolet light is dangerous because it penetrates the tissues of your eye more easily than visible light.
There are three types of UV light: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC is mostly blocked from the Earth by the ozone layer. UVA causes skin damage. UVB is the cause of most sunburns and UV-related cancers such as melanoma. It can also directly damage DNA.
Eye problems associated with UV light exposure
Unprotected UV exposure is associated with several eye conditions, including:
- Pinguecula - a protein and fat deposit in the white part of your eye
- Pterygium (surfer’s eye) - a growth from the white part of your eye to your cornea
- Cataract - a cloudy area in the lens of your eye
- Cancer of the eyelid
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) - damage to the part of your eye that processes light and gives you sharp central vision
Some of those conditions, such as cataracts and AMD, can occur even without excessive exposure to UV light, but that exposure increases your risk.
The best way to protect your eyes
Sunglasses with UV-blocking lenses are the best protection you can get for your eyes, if you’re outside and exposed to UV rays. When you buy sunglasses, it’s important to understand the level of protection they provide.
The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regulates sunglasses as medical devices even when they aren’t prescription lenses. When sunglasses are marked as having a UV400 rating, they block 99-100% of harmful UV rays.
A comfortable fit is another consideration because a good fit helps to protect your eyes by blocking light from entering your eyes from the top or sides. Finally, make sure the sunglasses you choose are suitable for the activity you’ll be doing while wearing them. Taking a walk is unlikely to dislodge your glasses, but skiing could.
Other ways to protect your eyes from UV rays
Along with wearing sunglasses, you should consider wearing a hat that has a brim that shades your face. Staying inside during the middle part of the day when UV rays are most intense is also a good option.
If you have questions about your eye health, your sunglasses, or what else you can do to protect your eyes, schedule an appointment at Cataract & Vision Center of Hawaii. We’re always happy to answer your questions and help you minimize the risk of damaging your eyes.
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