PROTECTING YOUR EYES FROM UV RAYS

A lot of attention is given to protecting our skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays; however, there’s another part of the body that’s just as crucial to cover up when outside: your eyes. UV light exposure can cause or accelerate several serious eye conditions, some of which can lead to severe vision loss. Fortunately, there are ways to preserve your vision while having fun in the sun. Below are some helpful tips to protect your eyes from UV rays.

WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR EYES FROM UV RAYS
Shielding your eyes from UV rays is easy to implement into your summer routine. There are three simple steps you can take to reduce exposure to blinding sunlight:

1. Limit your time outside:
The sun is usually strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so stick to the shade or stay indoors during these hours as much as possible. Most weather apps display a UV index, which is the measure of the sun’s intensity. Check the index before going outside, even if it’s a cloudy or rainy day.

2. Wear a hat:
Wearing a hat not only keeps your face shaded from the sun, but it can keep your eyes protected from both glare and dangerous UV rays. Choose a hat that has a broad, dark brim. Test it out before going outside to make sure it fully covers your eyes.

3. Choose UV-resistant sunglasses:
Sunglasses work by blocking and reﬂecting harmful UV light away from your eyes. All sunglasses are required to meet minimum requirements for UV protection and lens quality. Look for lenses that provide 99%-100% protection or have a UV400 rating. Fit is more important than style, and they should stay in place while covering the skin around your eyes. Polarized lenses can help reduce glare if you’re near the water. If you’re unsure whether your sunglasses are effective, ask your ophthalmologist or optometrist to test them with a device called a photometer.

HOW UV RAYS CAN DAMAGE YOUR EYES
UV rays are extremely harmful, and they can damage nearly all parts of your eye, including your eyelid. Light exposure ages all structures of your eye, and it can lead to several chronic conditions, especially on the eyelids. Your eyelids have the thinnest skin throughout your whole body, and UV rays can cause them to experience dryness, wrinkles, loss of elasticity and sagging. Other serious damages UV exposure can cause to your eyes include:

. Pinguecula: This non-cancerous fat and protein deposit can build up in the white part of your eye, called the sclera, causing irritation that affects the efficiency of your tear ducts.

. Pterygium: Also known as “Surfer’s Eye,” pterygium develops as a growth that extends from your sclera to your cornea. Both pterygium and pingueculas often affect those who participate in water sports because the front surface of the eye absorbs a majority of UV rays, especially when it’s reﬂected off the water’s surface. . Cataracts: UV rays can modify your lens proteins, which can cause clouding in the lens of your eye, known as a cataract. The damage from cataracts is irreversible and can only be removed with surgery treatment to artificially replace your eye’s lens.

. Cancers: Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and cutaneous melanoma are cancers that can develop on your eyelid. Squamous cell carcinoma can also spread to your conjunctiva and make its way into your cornea. These diseases are the only type of ocular cancer linked to UV ray overexposure.

. Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Commonly hyphenated as AMD, this condition is the major cause of blindness in Americans over 55. The condition breaks down the macula, which, as part of your light-sensitive retina, is the part of the eye that controls straight-ahead sight and clear vision. Oxidative stress and prolonged exposure to UV rays without protection increase your risk of developing AMD, for which there is no cure.

Protecting your eyes against UV rays is crucial in maintaining your eye’s overall health. If you’re worried you’re experiencing symptoms of UV damage or you want to take preventative action, consult with your local ophthalmologist or optometrist. To keep your eyes protected and your vision strong, trust the experts at Lake Eye.

PROTECT YOUR EYES WITH LAKE EYE: YOUR LOCAL EYE CARE EXPERTS
From comprehensive eye exams and a full-service optical department to advanced surgical treatments for nearly every eye condition, Lake Eye, a US Eye company, is dedicated to preserving and restoring your vision and eye health. To learn more about the services we produce to help slow, reverse and prevent vision loss, contact us and schedule an appointment with one of our experienced ophthalmologists or optometrists today.

Lake Eye Associates

352-632-2020
www.LakeEye.com