While the sun might seem brighter during Arizona’s spring and summer months, that does not mean you should go without eye protection during the rest of the year. Regardless of the time of year or whether it is a cloudy day, your eyes still need to be protected from harmful solar radiation. You can do this by wearing sunglasses that are made to block 100 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Why Are UV Rays So Dangerous to Eyes?
Exposure to the sun’s UV rays increases your risk of eye diseases that could jeopardize your vision. The damage to your eyes does not occur immediately. Instead, it is a result of continual exposure that adds to the damage done to your eyes.
Too much UV light exposure increases the risk of developing:
- Cataracts
- Eye cancer
- Pterygium, growths on the eye
How to Reduce Your Risk of Eye Disease from UV Rays
Everyone, including young children and the elderly need eye protection from the sun’s rays. Your risk for UV-related eye problems increases for those who work or spend a lot of time outdoors. Proper sunglasses help reduce that risk, but you can add to that protection by:
- Wearing a wide-brimmed hat or cap to cut down on the amount of UV rays reaching your eyes
- Reduce your time in the sun during the brightest time of the day, usually between 10 AM to 2 PM
- Never looking directly into the sun or highly reflective surfaces like water or sand
- Knowing whether any medications you may take increase your body’s sensitivity to UV radiation
Are you doing enough to protect your eyes from the bright Arizona sun? Schedule an appointment with one of Valley Eye Care’s doctors to discuss your concerns about eye protection today. Call 602-955-2700 or book online.
