July is UV Eye Safety Month

July is UV Awareness Month and it is critical to be educated on the dangers of sun exposure and the need to protect your skin during the upcoming summer months. The sun’s UV rays can burn the eyes’ cornea and conjunctiva, and increase the chance for future eye problems. It can also cause sunburn which is not only painful, but can also result in some temporary vision loss.

Dr. Helen Zervas, a board-certified optometrist at Family Eye Care in Bristol, says that, “UV exposure can pose a risk for myriad eye issues such as skin cancer around the eye as well as ocular melanoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and a variety of growths that can occur on the eye. Having a family history of eye cancer, having light-colored eyes, and spending long periods of time outside, especially around the water can put you at greater risk.”

As with the skin, the damage to the eyes from UV rays is cumulative over time. However, the end result can mean permanent impairment to our sight. Dr. Zervas says that “the UV rays can penetrate various parts of the eye, from the cornea to the retina and the lens, depending on the particular UV wavelength.”

Over time, more permanent damage to the retina and cornea can result from UV exposure. The sun’s rays can be a culprit in the development of cataracts and macular degeneration. “While we are well aware of the risks for skin cancer, many people don’t realize that cancers can also develop in the eye, as well as around the eye area. This is why we recommend that our patients wear wraparound styles and hats to protect areas that are not covered by sunglasses.”

Protecting eyes with the right sunglasses is imperative as the pupils dilate in the light, so if your eyewear doesn’t provide protection from UV rays, you may be doing even more damage by exposing your eyes to those harmful rays. “We advise that our patients look for eyewear with good quality lenses which block the UV rays. We also remind patients that they will get a great deal of sun exposure from reflections off the water. Polarized lenses are ideal for water sports, as they can help to minimize the glare that can result in reflections off of the water. And, there are now even contact lenses that also provide UV protection.”

“We advise that our patients always protect their eyes with sunglasses and hats when they are out in the sun, as well as on cloudy days. And be sure to protect young children and impart healthy habits early.”