Exposing your eyes to the sun’s ultraviolet rays (both the UVA and UVB wave types) can have negative short- and long-term effects on your vision. All aspects of your eye need protecting, from the skin around the socket to the parts that receive light and relay data to your brain. Here are some dangers you should be aware of, along with some safety recommendations from the experts. 

How can the sun damage my eyes?

“The sun’s UV rays can damage the skin of the eyelid as well as the cornea, lens and other parts of the eye,” says Dr. William T. Reynolds, president of the American Optometric Association. “Even short-term, excessive exposure during a day at the beach could lead to photokeratitis.” Photokeratitis is essentially sunburn of the eye, and can cause serious injury. It occurs when UVA and UVB rays are reflected from water, sand, snow, ice, or even cement. 

While photokeratitis is usually temporary, prolonged exposure to solar radiation can result in more severe and long-lasting damage and higher risk of:

• Cataracts
• Eye Cancer
• Macular Degeneration
• Pterygium

Also called “surfer’s eye,” pterygium occurs when years of intense sun exposure damages the thin membrane (conjunctiva) that covers the surface of the eye, resulting in a visible, triangular growth that can cause irritation and blurred vision. 

What are the warning signs of overexposure?

Some warning signs of overexposure and short-term effects can include:

• Redness
• Itchiness
• Pain
• Light Sensitivity
• Swelling
• Gritty Sensation Similar to An Embedded Eyelash or Grain of Sand

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your eye doctor to schedule an exam, and follow recommended eye protection protocols.

Eye protection basics

According to Reynolds, you should wear sunglasses any time you’re outside, “whether driving, at the beach, and even on overcast days.” Not just any sunglasses will do, either.

Reynolds recommends that, when buying sunglasses, you choose ones that:

• Block out 99 up to 100% of UVA and UVB radiation
• Screen out 76 to 90% of visible light (the light that actually reaches your eye) 
• Have lenses that are matched in color and are without distortion or imperfections
• Have grey lenses, as they allow for more accurate color recognition, and aid driving 

Prescription sunglasses can be made with UV protections and appropriate tints. Certain contact lenses offer some UV protection, as well. 

“The more time spent outdoors in bright sunlight,” Reynolds adds, “the more people should consider wraparound frames to shield the eyes.” He also suggests using sunscreen around your eyes, and wearing a hat or visor to enhance protection. 

*Rendall, J. (2021, June 29). How to Protect Your Eyes from the Sun. CNET. https://www.cnet.com/health/personal-care/how-to-protect-your-eyes-from-the-sun/