What Eye Conditions Can Be Caused by Sun Damage?
When most people think about sun damage, skin cancer and sunburn come to mind. But your eyes are just as vulnerable to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays - and the damage can be long-lasting. Prolonged or unprotected sun exposure increases the risk of several eye conditions that may affect vision, comfort, and long-term eye health.
How the Sun Affects Your Eyes
The sun emits two main types of ultraviolet radiation that affect the eyes: UVA and UVB rays. Both can penetrate eye tissues and cause cumulative damage over time. This damage often happens gradually, meaning you may not notice symptoms until the condition has already progressed.
Cataracts
Cataracts occur when the clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurred or dim vision. Long-term UV exposure accelerates the development of cataracts by damaging the proteins in the eye’s lens. Over time, this can interfere with daily activities like reading, driving, or recognizing faces.
Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the central portion of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. Research shows that cumulative UV and high-energy visible (blue) light exposure may increase the risk of retinal damage, contributing to AMD and potential vision loss later in life.
Photokeratitis (Sunburn of the Eye)
Just like skin, your eyes can get sunburned. Photokeratitis is a painful condition caused by intense UV exposure, often from reflective surfaces like water, sand, or snow. Symptoms include redness, tearing, light sensitivity, blurred vision, and the sensation of having something in your eye.
Pterygium (Surfer’s Eye)
A pterygium is a noncancerous growth that forms on the white part of the eye and can extend toward the cornea. It is strongly associated with chronic UV exposure, wind, and dust. In severe cases, it can distort vision or require surgical removal.
Eyelid Skin Cancer
The skin around the eyes is thin and delicate, making it especially vulnerable to sun damage. UV exposure increases the risk of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma on the eyelids and surrounding areas.
The Importance of Comprehensive Eye Exams
Regular, comprehensive eye exams are essential for detecting sun-related eye damage early - even before symptoms appear. Many UV-related conditions develop slowly and painlessly, making professional evaluation critical.
At Brandon Eyes, comprehensive exams allow us to:
Identify early signs of cataracts or retinal damage
Monitor changes caused by UV exposure over time
Recommend personalized protective solutions
Preserve long-term vision and eye health
Early detection often means more effective treatment and better visual outcomes.
Sunglasses: More Than a Fashion Statement
Wearing sunglasses is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your eyes from UV damage - but not all sunglasses offer the same level of protection.
What to Look for in Sunglasses
100% UVA and UVB protection: This is non-negotiable for eye safety
Wraparound styles: Reduce UV rays entering from the sides
Proper fit: Larger lenses provide better coverage
Darker lenses do not necessarily mean better protection - UV filtering is what truly matters.
Lens Types for Maximum Eye Protection
In addition to quality sunglasses, certain lens technologies can further enhance protection:
Polarized Lenses: Polarized lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, roads, and sand. While polarization doesn’t replace UV protection, it improves comfort and visual clarity, especially outdoors.
UV-Protective Prescription Lenses: Prescription eyeglasses can be customized with built-in UV protection, ensuring your eyes are protected even when you’re not wearing sunglasses.
Photochromic (Transition) Lenses: These lenses darken automatically when exposed to sunlight, providing continuous UV protection both indoors and outdoors without switching glasses.
Blue Light Filtering Lenses: While primarily designed for digital eye strain, some blue light–filtering lenses also help reduce exposure to high-energy visible light, which may contribute to long-term retinal stress.
Protecting Your Vision Starts Today
Sun damage to the eyes is cumulative, preventable, and often overlooked. From cataracts and macular degeneration to painful surface conditions and skin cancer, UV exposure poses serious risks to your eye health. The good news is that with regular comprehensive eye exams, proper sunglasses, and the right lens technology, you can significantly reduce your risk.
Schedule your comprehensive eye exam with Brandon Eyes and take the first step toward safeguarding your vision from sun damage. Visit our office in Middleton or Madison, Wisconsin. Please call (608) 833-7256 or (608) 833-0301 to book an appointment today.
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