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We offer an extensive ophthalmic surgical network of brands with offices throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New York, and New Jersey. Our centers provide innovative surgical solutions partnered with ophthalmology practices to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients. OOMC is pleased to provide the highest level of expertise in the ophthalmic treatment space.
December 31, 2019
The sun can be a much-needed source of warmth after a chilly winter. However, the UV rays it emits can have harmful effects on your eyes. Luckily, there are ways to help protect your eyes during the summer months. At Kremer Eye Center, we tell you more about how to protect your eyes from sun damage.
The sun emits three types of UV rays: UVC, UVA, and UVB. UVC rays don’t pose much of a threat because they are absorbed by the ozone layer. However, UVA and UVB rays are not, so they’re more likely to cause the following eye issues with long- and short-term exposure.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), ultraviolet (UV) radiation can contribute to eye conditions such as photokeratitis, cataracts, and certain cancers of the eye*. The AAO recommends wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays whenever you're outdoors to help reduce the risk of UV-related eye damage.
Protecting your eyes from the sun is important year-round, especially during the summer when UV exposure is often higher. One of the simplest ways to support your eye health is by wearing sunglasses along with a wide-brimmed hat whenever you spend time outdoors.
When choosing sunglasses, look for lenses that block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays. While quality sunglasses provide excellent protection, they don't completely shield your eyes from sunlight entering around the frames. A wide-brimmed hat helps block additional light and offers another layer of defense.
Remember that UV rays can reach your eyes even on cloudy days, so it's a good idea to wear sunglasses whenever you're outside. Building this habit into your daily routine can help reduce UV exposure and support your long-term eye health, no matter the season.
Most mild cases of sunburned eyes, also known as photokeratitis, improve with time, but persistent pain, blurry vision, severe light sensitivity, or ongoing discomfort should never be ignored. These symptoms may indicate more significant UV damage to the eyes or another corneal condition that requires prompt medical attention.
Our Cornea specialists diagnose and treat conditions affecting the cornea, including injuries caused by excessive UV exposure. If you're experiencing symptoms of sun blindness, UV-induced eye damage, or other corneal concerns, your ophthalmologist can evaluate your eyes and recommend the most appropriate treatment to protect your vision and support healing.
Natural sunlight helps regulate your body's internal clock and supports overall well-being, but looking directly at the sun is never safe. Excessive ultraviolet exposure can increase the risk of sun damage to the eyes, including photokeratitis, cataracts, and other long-term eye problems. Wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays helps protect your eyes while you're outdoors.
The amount of time depends on the intensity of the UV rays and your level of exposure. In some cases, photokeratitis—sometimes called sunburned eyes or sun blindness—can develop after only a few hours of intense UV exposure, especially around water, sand, or snow where sunlight is reflected. Consistent UV protection is the best way to reduce your risk of UV damage to the eyes.
Photokeratitis is a temporary injury to the cornea caused by excessive UV exposure. Symptoms may include eye pain, redness, tearing, blurry vision, light sensitivity, a gritty sensation, and swollen eyelids. If your symptoms are severe or don't improve, it's important to seek evaluation from an ophthalmologist.
Your eyes work hard every day, and protecting them from the sun is one of the simplest steps you can take to support long-term vision. If you're experiencing symptoms of photokeratitis, persistent light sensitivity, or other concerns related to eye damage from UV light, the specialists at Kremer Eye Center are here to provide advanced medical and surgical eye care tailored to your needs. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
*Source: AAO.
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