Sun Protection for Eyes: Essential Tips

Here’s how to help protect your eyes, regardless of what the warm weather brings.

Ever wondered when to wear sunglasses? Learn how to protect your eyes here. Rain or shine, follow these tips to help you see every season through healthy eyes.

Look for the UVA/UVB label.

 

41.5 percent of American adults believe dark lenses equate to UV eye protection, which is far from the truth. In fact, dark lenses without adequate UV protection can be worse than wearing no sunglasses at all because they cause the eye’s pupil to dilate, which then increases retinal exposure to unfiltered UV. Every time you step outside, your eyes are exposed to harmful UVA and UVB rays. As long as the UV rays are beaming, they harm your eyes, affect your vision, and compromise your overall eye health. Conditions such as macular degeneration, sun blindness, and cataracts have been strongly linked to UV exposure.

Wear sunglasses in rain AND shine.

 

Have you ever wondered when to wear sunglasses? You’re not alone. Two out of three Americans leave their eyes unguarded when the sun is not physically visible. Although it may not be a bright and sunny day, cloudy or rainy days can have many, if not more, UV rays. Wearing sunglasses that protect from UVA and UVB rays whenever you’re outside can help protect your eyes from any potential hazards, not to mention the nasty headaches and eye wrinkles that sun squinting can cause.

Add your prescription to your sunglasses.

 

Vision correction is essential outdoors. If you have prescription glasses, prescription sunglasses are key when you’re outside. Oftentimes if people don’t have prescription sunglasses, they throw on regular sunglasses, thinking they’re covered. That’s doing them a disservice, essentially trading one vision impairment for another. Prescription sunglasses enable you to do things like drive safely, easily read a book while relaxing outdoors, or jog without worrying about blurry vision.

Sun isn’t the only thing you should worry about.

 

UV rays reflect from water, sand, and even concrete. From DIY projects to fun activities such as hiking or jet skiing, so many seemingly safe activities can involve exposure to UV rays. Whether you’re directly involved or just a bystander, be on the lookout for eye hazards. Sunglasses or a sturdy pair of protective goggles can help keep your eyes safe from painful corneal scratches and possible vision impairment.

Pearle Vision has an extensive frame and lens selection available through brands like Coach, Versace, Ray-Ban & more, making it easy to find a fashionable pair that will match your lifestyle and keep your eyes safe. Schedule an appointment online to speak with an eye care expert from your neighborhood Pearle Vision, and be sure to ask about our quality prescription sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection.

Sources:
1. https://www.thevisioncouncil.org/content/uv-eye-protection/adults