Eyes and Sun Damage
Chicago, Illinois
We all know how important it is to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays. However, most people are not aware that sun exposure can also damage your eyes – and unlike other parts of your body, your eye’s natural lens cannot repair itself once it becomes damaged. Over time, sun damage can lead to serious eye conditions, even blindness.
Long-Term Consequences of Sun Damage
If you do not take care to protect your eyes while out in the sun, you increase your risk of the following eye diseases later in life:
- Cataracts
- Photokeratitis (corneal sunburn)
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Pterygia
- Skin cancer around the eyes
Even on overcast and cloudy days, you run a high risk of sustaining eye damage if you fail to wear proper eye protection. Both UV rays and blue light rays can harm your eyes, so be sure to use eyewear that blocks both types of rays.
Risk Factors for Sun Damage
Everyone is at risk of eye damage from prolonged sun exposure, but certain groups are especially vulnerable. For example, children under the age of 10 can suffer serious retinal damage from sunlight, since their eyes cannot naturally block the same amount of UV radiation as adult eyes.
Other people who may be at an increased risk of sun damage to the eyes include:
- People with light-colored irises
- Patients who have had cataract surgery
- People taking medication that increases light sensitivity
- People who have retinal disorders
How to Protect Your Eyes From Sun Damage
Eye damage from sunlight occurs gradually over the course of your life. The more your eyes are exposed to the sun without protection, the higher your chances of suffering permanent damage to your vision later in life. It is especially important to use protective eyewear between the hours of 10AM and 4PM, since studies show that UV rays are at their strongest during this time.
Sunglasses are the best way to protect your eyes on a regular basis. Look for sunglasses that block 99-100% of both UVA and UVB rays, as well as blue light rays. It’s also a good idea to get sunglasses that have large lenses, since they can protect the sensitive skin around your eyes from sun damage as well.
If you have further questions about eyes and sun damage, please contact Doctors For Visual Freedom today to schedule an initial consultation with our experienced Chicago ophthalmologist Dr. Mark Golden.
Two Locations:
Doctors for Visual Freedom Laser Center
875 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1550
Chicago, IL 60611 | Doctors for Visual Freedom Laser Center
2010 S Arlington Heights Rd, Suite 121
Arlington Heights, IL 60005 |
