When you think about protecting yourself from the sun, sunscreen and hats probably come to mind first. But did you know your eyes are just as vulnerable to ultraviolet (UV) radiation as your skin? Long-term UV exposure can cause lasting damage to your eyes and increase your risk for several vision problems. Protecting your eyes with quality UV-blocking lenses is one of the best steps you can take to preserve your vision for life.
The sun emits two main types of harmful rays—UVA and UVB. While UVB rays are known for causing sunburns, both UVA and UVB can penetrate your eyes, damaging delicate tissues like the cornea, lens, and retina. Even on cloudy or overcast days, UV rays can still reach your eyes and cause harm over time.
Prolonged UV exposure is linked to several serious eye conditions, including:
Cataracts: Clouding of the eye’s natural lens that blurs vision.
Macular degeneration: Damage to the retina that leads to vision loss.
Photokeratitis: A painful “sunburn” of the eye’s surface, common after spending time near water, snow, or sand.
Pterygium: A growth on the white of the eye that can interfere with vision.
You don’t have to be at the beach to experience UV damage. UV rays reflect off surfaces like roads, sidewalks, buildings, and car windows. Over time, this cumulative exposure can accelerate eye aging and increase your risk for long-term damage. Protecting your eyes daily—whether driving, walking your dog, or working outdoors—is essential.
Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Check the label before you buy—if it doesn’t specify full UV protection, skip it.
Add UV protection to your prescription glasses. Many modern lenses include built-in UV filtering without affecting clarity.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat. It adds an extra layer of protection by reducing the amount of sunlight reaching your eyes.
Choose polarized lenses. While polarization doesn’t block UV rays by itself, it reduces glare—making outdoor activities safer and more comfortable.
Protect your children’s eyes. Kids’ eyes absorb more UV light than adults’, so sunglasses are just as important for them.
Consistent UV protection helps you maintain sharper, clearer vision and reduces the risk of developing serious eye diseases later in life. By being proactive today, you can help ensure a lifetime of healthy sight.
At Performance Vision, we offer a wide range of UV-protective eyewear options, including prescription sunglasses, transition lenses, and high-quality coatings for everyday glasses. Our experienced optometrists can help you choose the right lenses to fit your lifestyle and protect your vision from harmful UV rays.
Schedule your next eye exam with Performance Vision today to ensure your eyes are healthy, protected, and ready for whatever the day brings.