Eye Safety and UV Protection

Exposing your eyes to UV light poses significant risks with long-term consequences. Many people underestimate the importance of proper eye protection against the sun's damaging rays. Understanding how UV light can damage your eyes and discovering ways to protect yourself from it is vital for ensuring your eye and vision health remains strong. Our optometry team at Total Vision of Port Orange in Port Orange, FL, stresses the importance of wearing quality sunglasses and taking other safety measures for optimal eye health. Continue reading to learn how UV exposure can affect your eyes and ways you can protect your vision.

UV Exposure Damages Eyes

Overexposure to UV light from the sun can burn sensitive eye tissues, much like how UV light can burn your skin. Too much UV exposure can cause painful conditions like photokeratitis, pterygium, and cataracts while accelerating aging around the eyes. Certain medications, surgeries, and preexisting eye diseases can also increase your vulnerability to UV light. Your optometrist near you can examine your eyes for signs of UV damage during your routine eye exam. Doing this can ensure timely treatment if needed.

Get Proper Eye Protection

While sunglasses can limit sunlight and glare, not all lenses adequately filter UV radiation. You should check for labels with 100% UV protection or brands designed for eye health when you shop for sunglasses. Wraparound sunglasses are also effective in minimizing UV exposure from all angles. Discuss your eye safety needs with your optometrist when selecting sunglasses. They can help you determine which sunglasses best suit your visual needs and lifestyle.

Supplement Sun Protection

In addition to proper sunglasses, further efforts to minimize UV exposure preserve long-term vision clarity and eye health. Wear wide-brim hats outdoors, apply SPF 30+ sunscreen around the eyes, and stick to more shaded areas during peak sunlight hours. Your eye doctor can also suggest annual vision exams to closely monitor the health of retinal tissues and catch UV damage early on before it leads to significant eye and vision issues.

See Your Optometrist Near You in Port Orange, FL, to Protect Your Eye and Vision Health

Proper protection from UV rays is vital for ensuring your eye and vision health remains strong, so contact Total Vision of Port Orange in Port Orange, FL, to get the sunglasses and eye protection you need to preserve your eyesight. Call us and schedule an appointment with our optometry team today at (386) 767-4449.