How to Protect Your Eyes from UV Damage Outdoors

UV damage adds up quietly

Just like skin, eyes accumulate sun damage over a lifetime. UV exposure is linked to cataracts, macular degeneration, growths on the eye's surface (pterygium, sometimes called "surfer's eye" common here on the coast), and even skin cancer on the eyelids. The damage is cumulative and largely preventable. Here is a research article about the findings. 

What to look for in sunglasses

• 100% UV protection (UV400), the only number that matters; dark lenses without it are worse than none, because your pupil dilates behind them.
• Coverage with larger or wraparound styles block light sneaking in from the sides and above.
• Polarized lenses don't add UV protection by themselves, but they cut glare off water, sand, and roads, which makes long days outside far more comfortable. This is more of a quality of life upgrade for performance than eye health.
• Price isn't protection many inexpensive sunglasses can be fully protective; check the label, not the price tag.

Daily habits that protect your eyes

Wear sunglasses year-round, not just in summer, UV passes through clouds. Add a wide-brimmed hat for beach days and sports. Be extra careful around water and sand, which reflect UV up into your eyes, and never look directly at the sun, even during an eclipse. And don't forget kids: their eyes let in more UV than adults', so start the habit early.

Contact lens wearers: a bonus layer

Some contact lenses include UV-blocking material, which helps protect the inside of the eye, but they don't cover the whole eye or the eyelids, so sunglasses are still essential on top.

When to see an optometrist

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, mention it at your next exam. We'll check for early signs of UV-related changes and help you choose protection that fits how you actually live, fishing, surfing, hiking, or all of the above.