Ah, the great outdoors. Whether you’re exploring a local park, spending the day at the pool, or doing yard work at home, time outside is important for staying healthy, plus it can positively impact your overall health. Venturing outside encourages people to be more active, which can help reduce stress and improve physical fitness. The sun also boosts vitamin D levels, which plays a key role in helping your body build and maintain healthy bones.

While some time in the sun is good for us, too much sun exposure can have a negative impact on our health. The more time you spend outside, the more you are exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can be harmful to our skin, leading to sunburns, dehydration, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Too much exposure to UV rays can also impact your eyes.

It’s essential to protect yourself from UV ray exposure by staying in the shade when possible, lathering on sunblock, and choosing the right eye protection. Keep reading to learn how to protect your eyes from sun damage—all year round.

What Are UV Rays and How Can They Harm My Eyes?

There are two types of UV rays: UVA and UVB. Overexposure to UVA rays can impact the macula (at the back of your eyes) and your central vision. On the other hand, UVB rays can impact the cornea and lens of your eyes (which is at the front of the eye).

It’s important to note that the sun isn’t the only thing that puts off UV rays. Indoor sources of UV rays include fluorescent lights, tanning beds, and lasers.

Looking at these UV sources or just being exposed to the rays they put off without protection can cause damage to your skin and eyes. In the eyes, UVA and UVB rays can increase your risk of developing cataracts, macular degeneration, skin cancer, and more. You may even develop a painful yet usually non-permanent condition called photokeratitis, which is like a sunburn on your eyes.

How to Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays

There are many ways to protect yourself from UV rays, both indoors and outdoors.

When heading outside (no matter how long), you should:

• Put on sunglasses
• Wear a hat
• Seek shade when possible
• Apply sunscreen

If you wear glasses, you can protect your eyes indoors with UV protective lens coating or light-reactive lenses, like those by SunSync^®. SunSync Light-Reactive Lenses change from dark to clear in seconds, all with 100% UV protection.                                   

Choosing the Right Sunglasses

When selecting sunglasses, you have a ton of options. But not all sunglasses are created equal. So, what sunglasses help protect your eyes?

Here are some tips to help you find the best eye protection.

• Read the labels on them and choose sunglasses that state they offer 100% UV protection. Without this protection, your sunglasses won’t give your eyes and the delicate skin around them the UV defense they need. 
• Keep the activity or activities you plan to do outside in mind. For example, if you are looking for sun protection while doing sports, you’ll not only want sunglasses with UV protection, but you may also want features such as impact-resistant lenses and/or polarized lenses. Polarized lenses don’t necessarily provide UV protection, so if you want to protect your eyes and reduce glare outside, shop for glasses that provide both.
• Choose the right color. Sunglasses come with lenses in varying colors, from brown to black to yellow. Darker lenses don’t mean more protection. But the color of your lenses can impact how you see things around you. Choosing the right sunglass lens color can help enhance your outdoor activities.
• Let your style shine. Sunglasses not only protect your eyes from the sun, but they also reflect your personal sense of style. Find a frame that offers the protection you need in a style that reflects you.

How to Choose the Best Sunglasses to Avoid Sun Damage

Sun Protection Tips for Kids

Did you know children’s eyes can’t filter UV light as effectively as adults can? This puts their eyes at an increased risk of damage from the sun and artificial UV rays if they aren’t protected.

Here’s what you can do to help keep your child’s eyes protected from the sun.

• Get child-specific sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection. You’ll want to find sunglasses that are comfortable and in a style your child likes; otherwise, they may not be willing to wear them. Children’s sunglasses are also designed for their smaller heads.
• Keep your child’s activities in mind. If they play outdoor sports like soccer or baseball, sports goggles with impact-resistant lenses and UV protection may be ideal. Your eye doctor can help you choose the right eye protection for your child’s outdoor activities. 
• Make sure your child wears a hat and uses sunscreen when heading outside to help shade their eyes and keep their skin protected from the sun’s UV rays.
• If your child wears prescription glasses, talk with their eye doctor about adding a UV protection lens coating. This will shield their eyes from both indoor and outdoor sources of UV rays.

Where to Buy Sunglasses

When shopping for sunglasses, you have online and in-person options.

1. Your VSP^® network doctor’s office, as well as retail locations like Visionworks^® or Eyemart Express, can offer great options for prescription or non-prescription sunglasses.
2. If you prefer shopping online, head on over to Eyeconic^® to shop with your VSP benefits. Eyeconic is the in-network, online eyewear store for VSP members.

Talk to Your Eye Doctor

Protecting your eyes from sun damage isn’t just a summertime concern; you should protect your eyes from UV rays year-round. At your next eye appointment, talk with your VSP network doctor about your lifestyle—they’ll be happy to help you find the best options to protect your eyes and ensure you see your best while outdoors.

 

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Article provided by VSP. Information received through VSP Vision Care channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.