Top tips to protect your eyes from the sun

Why Is It Important to Protect Your Eyes From the Sun?

The sun emits two harmful UV rays: Longwave ultraviolet A (UV-A) and shortwave ultraviolet B (UV-B). Though UV-A rays inflict more significant damage, both types can be dangerous depending on the strength and frequency with which your eyes are exposed to them. To avoid being diagnosed with the following eye conditions, you must take measures to protect your eyes from the sun.

Cataracts - A cataract is an eye condition that occurs as you age. Chronic sun exposure, on the other hand, might raise your chance of developing cataracts. It impairs your eyesight by blurring the lens of your eyes. While you cannot escape aging, you can take measures to protect your eyes from the sun, reducing cataracts' impact.

Pterygium - Photokeratitis is a disorder in which extra tissues develop under and on the surface of your eyes. The disease is not deadly, but it will give you an unpleasant appearance, which may impair your self-esteem and endanger your interpersonal abilities.

 

Photokeratitis - If you believe that UV rays come straight from the sun and cause harm, and therefore avoiding direct sunlight is safe, you are misguided. UV rays are reflected off the sand, water, snow, grass, and other surfaces in addition to the sun. You must thus always wear UV protection sunglasses while outside to protect your eyes from the sun or, in this case, photokeratitis, often known as eye sunburn.

 

Ocular Cancer - The sun's cancer-causing ultraviolet radiation endangers the skin and the sensitive regions surrounding the eyes and eyelids. Unlike your skin, you cannot apply sunscreen to your eyes, but you can apply some around them to avoid ocular cancer. Also, to protect your eyes from the sun, don’t forget to cover your face with sunglasses and hats.

In addition to the above illnesses, If you are exposed to the sun for an extended period, you may develop macular degeneration, aesthetic flaws such as wrinkles appearing around your eyes as a result of excessive blinking, and other eye disorders. Hence, you must strictly follow the below tips to protect your eyes from the sun.

Effective Measures to Protect Your Eyes From the Sun

Our eyesight is the most relied-upon sense, yet it is also the most taken for granted. Our eyesight is perhaps the only sense on which we depend the most, yet we take it for granted. But not anymore. Follow the instructions below to protect your eyes from the sun and avoid vision problems like blindness.

Don’t Stare at the Sun

If you want to protect your eyes from the sun, don’t stare directly at the sun. Direct and intense UV light exposure will damage the front of your eyes and the rear region, known as the retina. When your retina is sunburned, you risk developing a worrisome eye disorder known as macular degeneration. You will lose your central vision and start to see black spots.

Wear Sunglasses

To protect your eyes from the sun, make sunglasses your best friend. Sunglasses are not just a fashion statement but also an essential instrument for eye protection. However, look for one with an anti-glare coating to reflect and bounce back UV rays. Also, purchase a frame that provides maximum coverage, such as a wrap-around frame, to prevent sun rays from penetrating your eyes from the side.

Wear a Hat

Wearing a hat while going out is essential since it cuts your exposure to UV radiation by nearly half. However, wearing a hat can only protect your eyes from the sun if it is the right one. A wide-brimmed hat that covers your face effectively, particularly your nose, scalp, and eyes, is the ideal sun hat. Moreover, it must be manufactured using a sun-protective fabric with a high UPF rating.

Wearing a hat, however, does not excuse you from wearing sunglasses. A hat will shield you from UV radiation emitted directly by the sun, but it will be useless if the rays bounce off the sand, grass, snow, or water. To protect your eyes from the sun full-scale, use a full-brimmed hat and high-quality sunglass.

Avoid Going Out When It’s Cloudy

Even if the sky is cloudy, especially in the summer, going out might be risky. UV rays can easily pass through the cloud and damage your eyes. So, even if it's overcast, avoid going out or, at the very least, wear sunglasses and a hat and apply sunscreen to protect your eyes from the sun.

Avoid Scorching Sun

The easiest way to protect your eyes from the sun is to avoid going out while the sun is blazing strongly. Sun is more aggressive in the morning and midday. So, if at all feasible, schedule your day so that you do not go out during these hours. If you can’t avoid the scorching sun, take additional measures such as wearing sunglasses.

Schedule Eye Test

The signs of sun-induced eye illness do not appear early or easily. You may detect the problem when it is too late. As a result, it is crucial to test your eyes frequently. This is undoubtedly the best tip to protect your eyes from the sun.

Find the Shade

If you want to protect your eyes from the sun, seek shade whenever feasible. Also, turn your face away from the sun to reduce eye exposure. If at all possible, always carry an umbrella with you.

Apply Some Sunscreen

Always apply a sting-free sunscreen to your face that is at least SPF 30. The sunscreen will protect your eyes from the sun and its harmful UV rays, thereby preventing disorders such as ocular cancer.

Drink Enough Water

This may seem unusual tip to protect your eyes from the sun, but it’s rather practical. Summer days drain our energy and dehydrate our bodies. Dehydration causes dry eyes and visual difficulties. It is, therefore, essential to consume plenty of water. Staying hydrated will ensure that the eye has adequate moisture to perform effectively.

Words of Wisdom

Though some sunlight is necessary for getting vitamin D, sleeping well, and other health advantages, excessive sun exposure can harm health, particularly the eyes. So, follow these tips to reap the benefits of sunshine and protect your eyes from the sun. Lastly, make sunglasses, hats, umbrellas, and sunscreen your best friends!