Summer in North Idaho means more time outside. Whether you’re tending the garden, out on the lake, hiking a trail, or simply enjoying your porch, your eyes spend more time in the sun than you may realize.
Most of us remember sunscreen. Eye protection is easy to forget.
Just like your skin, your eyes can be damaged by ultraviolet (UV) rays. Years of sun exposure can increase the risk of vision problems, making a good pair of sunglasses just as important as sunscreen.
How UV Rays Affect Your Eyes
The sun produces two types of ultraviolet rays.
UVA rays penetrate deeper into the eye and can contribute to long-term damage.
UVB rays are more likely to damage the surface of the eye and can even cause a painful condition called corneal sunburn. This may cause redness, pain, sensitivity to light, and temporary blurred vision or even temporary vision loss after spending long hours outdoors without proper eye protection. Water and snow can reflect UV rays, increasing your exposure.
Over time, repeated UV exposure may increase the risk of:
- Cataracts
- Macular degeneration
- Damage to the cornea
- Skin cancer around the eyelids
Simple Ways to Protect Your Vision
A few simple habits can go a long way toward protecting your eyesight.
Wear Quality Sunglasses
Choose sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound styles or larger frames help keep sunlight from reaching your eyes from the sides.
Look for sunglasses that reduce glare without distorting colors and fit comfortably enough that you’ll wear them regularly. If you’re spending the day on the lake or around snow, a darker tint can make your eyes more comfortable by reducing reflected light.
Don’t Forget Your Everyday Eyewear
Sunglasses aren’t your only option. Many prescription and non-prescription glasses, contact lenses, and even some lens implants can include built-in UV protection. If you’re due for an eye exam or new glasses, ask your eye care provider what type of UV protection your lenses provide. Some lens materials, coatings, and photochromic lenses can add another layer of protection.
Add a Hat
A wide-brimmed hat helps block sunlight from reaching your eyes from above and around your glasses. Pairing a hat with UV-blocking sunglasses provides even better protection when you’re outdoors.
UV Rays Don’t Take Cloudy Days Off
Even when the sky is overcast, ultraviolet rays can still reach your eyes. UV rays also reflect off water, pavement, and snow, so protection is important throughout the year, not just during the summer.
Who Should Be Extra Careful?
Everyone should protect their eyes from the sun, but some people face a greater risk.
You may be more vulnerable if you:
- Spend several hours outdoors.
- Have had cataract surgery.
- Have certain retinal conditions.
- Take medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight, including some antibiotics, diuretics, birth control medications, and certain anti-anxiety medications.
If you’re unsure whether one of your medications increases your sensitivity to sunlight, ask your pharmacist or health care provider.
Helping Seniors Stay Independent
Good vision plays an important role in staying safe at home. It helps prevent falls, makes driving safer, and makes everyday tasks easier.
At ACCESS, our caregivers help seniors remain independent by providing transportation to appointments, assistance with errands, companionship, and support with daily activities so they can continue living safely at home.
If you or someone you love could benefit from in-home care, we’d be happy to answer your questions.