Importance of Protecting Your Eyes from UV Exposure

As the weather warms up and we enjoy more time outdoors, it's important to protect our eyes from the UV (ultraviolet) rays.  There are three types of UV rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA and UVB are the most concerning when it comes to eye health, as UVC is mostly blocked by the Ozone layer surrounding the Earth.
 
The following eye conditions are associated with to UV light exposure: 

• Pinguecula: a yellowish raised growth or bump on the conjunctiva, the clear layer that cover the white of the eye

• Pterygium: a raised, fleshy, triangular shaped lesion that can grow into the cornea and affect one's vision

• Photokeratitis: sunburn of the eye resulting from exposure to excessive amounts of UV radiation

• Cataracts: clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye 

• Age related macular degeneration (AMD): damage in the macula which is the part of the retina associated with central vision, causing reduced or blurred vision 

• Eyelid cancers: including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma
   

Follow these Guidelines to Protect Your Eyes from Sun Damage

• Never look directly at the sun

• Select sunglasses that provide 100% UV or UV400 protection which block both UVA and UVB rays.

• Wear wide brimmed hats along with your sunglasses

• Avoid sun exposure when it is strongest from midday to early afternoon

• Sun protection is important year-round, keeping in mind that clouds do not block UV light.

• UV damage is cumulative within one's lifetime, so it's essential to protect children from UV exposure.

• Tanning beds, welding machines and lasers can also pose risk for eye damage from UV radiation