Are you protecting your eyes from the sun?

We all know that we need to wear sunglasses when we are outside, but did you know that your eyes can become sunburnt like your skin, or that wearing sunglasses with only tint can be harming your eyes more than not wearing them at all?

For most of us sitting outside in the sun sounds like a great afternoon but the suns Ultraviolet (UV) rays can be harmful if the proper precautions are not taken. UV radiation is a component of solar radiation, but it can also be given off by artificial sources like welding machines, tanning beds and lasers.

We all know that UV rays can be dangerous to our skin if we don’t wear sunscreen, but many may not realize that exposure to UV radiation can harm.

There are three types of UV radiation: UV-C is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not present any threat; UV-A and UV-B radiation can have adverse long- and short-term effects on the eyes and vision.

If your eyes are exposed to excessive amounts of UV radiation over a short period of time, you are likely to experience an effect called photokeratitis.

Photokeratitis, sunburn to the eyes, may be painful and include symptoms such as red eyes, gritty feeling in the eyes, extreme sensitivity to light and excessive tearing. Fortunately, this is usually temporary and rarely causes permanent eye damage.

The longer the eyes are exposed to solar radiation, the greater the risk of developing later in life such conditions as cataracts or macular degeneration. Since it is not clear how much exposure to solar radiation will cause damage, the AOA recommends wearing quality sunglasses that offer UV protection. It is recommended that sunglasses block 99% to 100% of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.

Wearing sunglasses that only provide tint can actually be harming your eyes. The tinted lenses cause your eyes to slightly dilate, which allows for more UV rays to enter the retina and potentially cause damage. If you are unsure if your sunglasses are offering UV protection stop in to our Optical Boutique and we will check your shades for free!

Be sure to make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam with one of our Doctors if you have not been seen in the last few years. It is a good way to monitor your eye health, maintain good vision and keep track of your solar radiation protection needs as well as new advances in eye protection. Call 480.994.1872 to make your appointment!

UV Radiation Checklist

If you can answer “yes” to one or more of the following questions, you could be at higher risk for harm to the eyes from UV radiation:

1. Do you spend a great deal of time outdoors?
2. Do you spend time skiing, mountain climbing or at the beach?
3. Do you use a sunlamp or tanning parlor?
4. Do you live in the mountains or the United States Sunbelt?
5. Are you a welder, medical technologist or do you work in the graphic arts or in the manufacture of electronic circuit boards?
6. Do you take prescription or over-the-counter drugs that can increase your sensitivity to UV radiation (check with your optometrist, pharmacist, or physician)?
7. Have you had cataract surgery in one or both eyes?