08 Jul UV Rays and Eyes: What You Need to Know

Ah, summertime. Hours upon hours of fun, no school, and vacation.

You’re not the only one enjoying the longer days. The sun is also out for more hours each day, and while that means more time for your activities, a dangerous byproduct comes from this.

This byproduct is called UV rays. You’ve likely heard about them when talking about skin, but they can also pose a risk to your eyes.

In this article, we’ll let you know what UV rays are and how you can protect yourself against them.

Read on to learn more about UV rays and eyes.

What Are They?

Before we get into the details of the impact of UV rays on your eyes, it might help to understand what UV rays are.

For the most part, UV rays come from the sun, but artificial light sources like tanning beds can also produce UV rays. UV rays are stronger depending on the time of year and location.

There are three different types of UV rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC rays aren’t worth worrying about as they don’t enter our atmosphere. UVA and UVB rays are similar, but UVB rays are stronger, meaning they are more likely to cause damage.

Can UV Rays Harm Eyes?

Like skin, UV rays can harm your eyes when you’re outside. Eyes can get sunburned, but most of the risk is long-term.

Overexposure to the sun over decades can cause your eyes to form cataracts or develop macular degeneration. A number of other factors can cause these diseases, but UV rays can make it more likely.

How Do I Protect Myself from UV Rays?

Although UV rays can be very dangerous, there is good news. Protecting eyes from UV rays isn’t hard at all. In fact, there are a few quick and easy steps you can take today.

First, make sure to wear sunglasses when you’re outside for long periods of time. This will ensure to keep the UV rays out of your eyes.

Sunglasses also have other benefits like reducing glare and helping with sports. They can make it safer when you’re driving, and they might even help you when fishing, hiking, biking, or running.

You can also consider wearing a hat when you’re outside. This gives you constant shade, keeping the UV rays out of your eyes. It can also help you prevent sunburns on your neck and shoulders.

Finally, the safest thing you can do is limit your time in direct contact with the sunlight. This will help you not only protect your eyes but also avoid sunburns and lower the risk of skin cancer.

UV Rays and Eyes: Ready to Go!

Now that you’ve read this article, you should be able to protect yourself against UV rays. Remember that you can’t perfectly protect your eyes, but every step can make a difference.

If you have any questions about UV rays and eyes, make sure to contact your eye doctor. Now that you understand what UV rays are, you might want to buy a pair of sunglasses. If you’re an athlete, there are few sunglasses for sports that can help your game.