Spending time in the sun is common during summer. While we often remember to protect our skin with sunscreen, we shouldn’t overlook eye safety. Wearing the right sunglasses early on can protect your eyes from long-term damage from the sun’s rays.
UV lights
Dangers of UV Light
Too much UV light can lead to a range of eye issues. Wearing sunglasses helps prevent:
Cataracts and eye cancers that take years to grow are more likely when you’re in the sun without protecting your eyes. This is why even babies and kids should wear hats and sunglasses. These safeguards are a must for everyone outside.
Growths on the eye, such as pterygium, might start showing when you’re young. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, especially by water or in the mountains, you’re at greater risk.
Snow blindness is caused by UV light bouncing off snow, ice, sand, or water.
Keep from the Sun
When shopping for sunglasses, many people forget to check if they block UV rays. Choose pairs that offer 100% UV protection or UV400, blocking both UV-A and UV-B rays.
More ways to keep your eyes safe from UV damage in any season:
Wear a hat as well as sunglasses. Wide-brimmed hats are best.
Hats and sunglasses aren’t just for kids; they help protect adults’ eyes, too.
Remember that clouds don’t stop UV rays; they can still reach you on overcast days.
The sun’s strongest between midday and early afternoon, at high altitudes, and when reflected off surfaces like water, snow, or ice.
Never stare at the sun, even during an eclipse; this can severely damage your eyes.
Stay away from tanning beds, they pose the same eye risks as natural sunlight.
Following these simple tips will help you enjoy the sunshine safely throughout the year.
Your Well-Being
Sunlight can benefit your health. For instance, daily natural light is essential for good sleep. Sunlight helps regulate our natural sleep-wake cycles, and this is particularly helpful to avoid sleeplessness as we grow older.
Being outdoors during the day can also help prevent kids from becoming nearsighted. Take your kids out to play. It helps with their eyesight! Just don’t forget the hats and glasses.
Dr. Zhou Peng, M.D. and Chief Physician. He graduated from the School of Medicine at Peking University where he received his Medical Doctor degree. He is a postdoctoral fellow at the Doheny Eye Institute in the United States. He has served as an attending ophthalmologist at Peking University People’s Hospital, an associate chief ophthalmologist at the Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital of Fudan University (also known as the Shanghai Eye and ENT Hospital), and the chief ophthalmologist at Shanghai Parkway Clinics.
You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Zhou Peng’s clinic by calling 400-819-6622 or by clicking on this mini-program.
