Sunny summer days offer many advantages, like vitamin D exposure and serotonin production. Unfortunately, UV rays can damage the eyes, increasing the risk of eye diseases and vision problems.

Despite the dangers of UV radiation, there is no reason people can’t take advantage of all the benefits sunny days offer. With proper precautions, it’s possible to enjoy time in the sun without increasing the risk of cataracts and other vision impairment issues. Dr. Raul Peña of Peña Eye Institute in Harlingen, TX, offers tips to protect your eyesight from the effects of the sun and minimize the risk of vision loss.

Sun Exposure and the Risk of Eye Problems 

Many people are aware that UV rays can damage skin cells and increase the risk of skin cancer. It has become common practice to apply sunscreen before sun exposure to minimize such risks. Radiation from UV rays is just as damaging to the cells of the eyes. Prolonged sun exposure without proper eye protection increases the risk of many eye diseases that can impair the vision, including:

• Eye growths
• Eye sunburns
• Snow blindness (caused by UV reflections off snow, ice, sand, or water)
• Eye cancer
• Cataracts

Tips to Protect Your Eyesight from the Effects of the Sun

Just as people can enjoy a day in the sun while protecting the skin from sunburn and other effects of harmful UV rays, it’s possible to spend time outdoors on a sunny day without damaging the eyes or compromising the vision. By following some simple tips and guidelines, our Harlingen patients can protect their eyesight from the effects of the sun.

Wear UV-blocking Sunglasses

Sunglasses are the closest thing we have to sunscreen for the eyes. We recommend wearing sunglasses anytime you are outdoors. Even on hazy days, sunglasses are essential because UV rays pass through haze and clouds. Many people select sunglasses based on style. It is great that there are so many sunglass options, making them a fun fashion accessory. However, when shopping for sunglasses it’s vital to check their UV rating. Sunglasses should provide 100% UV or UV400 protection and block UV-A and UV-B rays.

Wear a Wide-brimmed Hat

Sunglasses with proper UV protection do a great job blocking out sunlight, but UV rays can still get through the top of glasses if they don’t fit snugly. A wide-brimmed hat shades the face and protects the eyes and facial skin from harmful sunlight.

Choose Time Outdoors Wisely

Even with appropriate eye protection, it’s best to schedule time outdoors to avoid the harshest UV rays. UV rays tend to be at their peak from midday to early afternoon, between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. People can minimize the effects of sunlight on their eyes by staying indoors or limiting the amount of time in the sun during this timeframe.

Avoid Looking at the Sun

Anyone who has witnessed an eclipse has probably been told not to look directly at the sun during this solar event. Truthfully, it’s never safe to look at the sun. Looking at the sun can damage the retina and cause an injury called solar retinopathy.

Contact Peña Eye Institute

If your vision has been compromised by sun exposure or other eye problems, Dr. Raul Peña can diagnose the condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan to preserve your eyesight. To schedule an appointment at our Harlingen eye center, contact us online.