Like your skin, your eyes also need protection from the sun! Follow these 5 tips

Harmful UV rays can be a factor in several eye diseases. So, if you're wondering how to protect your eyes from sunlight, follow these 5 tips.
skin care routine
Matcha can give your skin protection from sun rays Image courtesy: Adobe Stock
Dr Ajay Sharma Published: 24 Feb 2023, 11:02 am IST
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When it comes to shielding our skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, our options are nearly endless, ranging from sunscreen in water-resistant, sweatproof, anti-ageing lotion to sprays or sticks ranging up to 100 SPF. Unfortunately, sunscreen is not designed to safeguard our eyes. At least not yet! If you’re not aware of it, let’s tell you that it is just as essential to protect your eyes as it is to protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Harmful UV rays can lead to a wide range of issues, including skin cancer around the eyes and pink eye. They can also cause cataracts, photokeratitis (a type of corneal sunburn), and pterygium (a white or creamy fleshy growth on the surface of the eye). So, now the question is how to protect eyes from sunlight. Read on to find out.

How to protect your eyes from dangerous UV rays?

The most important nutrient we receive from sunlight is vitamin D. Yet, overexposure to the sun can result in skin burns. UV rays penetrate eye tissues more easily than visible light, unlike skin, thereby raising the risk of eye disorders. We are here to provide you with safeguarding tips in order to preserve your vision and prevent further eye problems.

Here are 5 UV protection tips for your eyes

1. Wear the right lenses and frame

Don’t cut costs when purchasing sunglasses. To minimize glare from protective surfaces, pick high-quality sunglasses that block 100 per cent of UVA and UVB rays. In addition to blocking UV rays, sunglasses should also leave colours undistorted, feel comfortable on your face, and have unbreakable lenses to protect your eyes from injury.

how to protect eyes from sunlight
Save your eyes from sun exposure. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

2. Understand that bigger is better

While UV rays are emitted directly by the sun, they can also be reflected into our eyes by the ground, a lake or ocean, snow, sand, or other bright surfaces. Though most sunglasses can help prevent UV rays from entering the glasses, many frame models do not protect the sides, top, or bottom of the glasses from the sun’s rays. When shopping for sunglasses, keep in mind that larger lenses provide more coverage for the eye and allow less unfiltered light in.

Also read: 5 reasons to put that ‘kaala chashma’ on before stepping out in summer heat!

3. Know when the sun is strongest

The most UV radiation exposure for eyes and skin occurs in the morning and mid-afternoon, not at noon. Sun damage to the eyes is more severe in the fall, winter, and spring because the sun is positioned lower in the sky. Even on overcast winter days, wear sunglasses whenever you leave the house. After all, clouds simply vaporize water, and water is UV-transparent.

4. Double up

Wearing just the brimmed hats provides no protection from UV rays reflected up from surfaces such as pavement, sand, and water. A combination of sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat will help prevent UV rays from passing through the frames of your lenses and into your eyes.

how to protect eyes from sunlight
Yes, the sun damages the eyes too. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

5. Wear the right contacts

Even your routine prescription glasses and contact lenses/contacts should be made of materials and coatings that handle UVA and UVB rays. UV-protective contacts are divided into two categories; Class I and Class II. UV-blockers in class I provide the most UV protection. Consult your eye care provider to determine the best UV-blocking contact lens selections for yourself.

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About the Author

Dr Ajay Sharma Chief Medical Director of EyeQ   ...Read More

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