Spending time outdoors is a part of what makes summer fun, but amidst all the frolicking, it’s important to remember to protect your eyes from the sun’s strong UV rays. While you probably remember to cover up with sun block, chances are you don’t think about protecting your eyes during summer. However UV radiation can cause eye damage.
The sun and your eyes
Despite the built in protection system provided by the eyelids, as well as the lens and cornea, you still need to shield the eyes from the intense glare of the sun. The lens and cornea both filter the sun’s UV rays. HoweverUV radiation can damage the surface tissues of the eye, as well as internal structures.
Exposure to UV radiation in the long term can put the eyes at risk for serious eye disorders. These includeskin cancer around the eyelids, cataracts, and age–related macular degeneration.
How to protect your eyes
Wearing sunglasses is one of the best ways to protect your eyes, even on cloudy days. However not all sunglasses are the same, so be sure to choose glasses that offer 100% protection from the UVA and UVB rays of the sun.
If you are going to spend long hours in the sun then take some overhead cover along. You can wear broad-brimmed hats whenever you go outside, or get some shade under a large umbrella if you’re at the beach.
Wearing sunscreen is also important for protecting your eyes during the summer. Taking care of the eyes should be a priority, so you should schedule regular eye examinations with your ophthalmologist to preserve eye health.
Dr. Michael Loeffler of the Center for Ophthalmology and Surgery Center in Lighthouse, FL offers eye care services to the greater Fort Lauderdale area. You can contact Dr. Loeffler at http://www.oculaser.com/contact-us/.