Why You Need to Sun-Guard Your Eyes

By: Nancy A. Palermo, MD

Most of us understand the importance of protecting our skin from excessive sun exposure, but eye protection is often overlooked or dismissed as just a fashion statement. In reality, safeguarding your eyes from the sun is just as crucial.

The Hidden Dangers of Sun Exposure to Your Eyes

The sun emits a broad spectrum of light, including ultraviolet (UV) radiation and high-energy blue light. Both can be harmful to your eyes over time. Blue light, due to its shorter wavelength and higher energy, penetrates more deeply into the retina than other visible light, thereby increasing the potential for damage.

UV radiation, both UVA and UVB, can be harmful at any time of day. Surprisingly, the early morning and late afternoon sun can expose your eyes to nearly twice the radiation compared to midday due to the sun’s angle. Reflected UV light is also a concern: water can reflect up to 100% of UV rays, and snow can reflect up to 80%. That means sunny days at the beach or on the slopes call for extra eye protection.

How UV and Blue Light Affect Eye Health

Repeated sun exposure can lead to short- and long-term eye conditions:

• Cataracts: UV radiation can damage proteins in the lens, causing clouding.
• Macular Degeneration: Exposure to blue light may contribute to damage in the macula, leading to blurred or distorted central vision.
• Eye and Eyelid Cancers: Prolonged exposure increases the risk of ocular melanoma and eyelid skin cancers.
• Pterygium (Surfer’s Eye): Painful growths on the white of the eye, often requiring surgical removal.

These conditions are driven in part by free radicals generated by exposure to UV and blue light, which can damage cellular structures in the eye.

Sunglasses: Your First Line of Defense

Wearing high-quality sunglasses is one of the best ways to protect your eyes. Sunglasses are classified as medical devices by the FDA. But price isn’t always an indicator of protection. Many over-the-counter options provide excellent UV protection if they meet specific standards.

What to look for in sunglasses:

• 100% UV Protection or UV 400: Blocks both UVA and UVB rays.
• Amber or Brown Tints: Filters blue light and enhances contrast.
• Large or Wraparound Frames: Offers better coverage and protection from peripheral light.
• Add a Hat: A wide-brimmed hat can significantly reduce UV exposure from above.

Specialty Options to Consider

Depending on your lifestyle, additional features may be worth considering:

• Darker Lenses: Best for prolonged sun exposure but may reduce visibility while driving.
• Polarized Lenses: Reduce glare from water, snow, or reflective surfaces—great for outdoor activities.
• Photochromic Lenses: Automatically darken in sunlight and fade indoors (e.g., Transitions® lenses).
• Contact Lenses with UV Protection: Can offer supplemental protection, but still require sunglasses, as contacts don’t shield the entire eye.

Spending time outdoors is vital for our well-being, but protecting our eyes is equally important. A few mindful steps can help you enjoy the sunshine without risking long-term damage. Never look directly at the sun, and always wear sunglasses that offer complete UV protection, especially around water, snow, or bright reflective surfaces.

Your eyes deserve as much care and attention as your skin. Don’t leave home without your shades!