UV and Your Eyes

Many of us are very familiar with the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on our skin and the dangers that repeated exposure brings - but it’s a surprise to many to learn about the very real dangers of UV exposure to our eyes.

Repeated exposure to UV radiation over time, whether from natural sunlight, blue light from screens, or even indoor lighting can damage the eye's surface layers and surrounding skin. It can also cause damage to your retina - the back surface of your eye,and your lens - a clear layer within your eyeball that helps to focus our vision. The longer you’re exposed to UV rays, the more intense your symptoms are likely to be. You may find that you experience eye pain, twitching, swelling, redness, blurry vision, sensitivity to light, or watery eyes, among others.

While much like sunburn, UV damage to the eyes can repair on its own, it may increase your risk of developing eye and eyelid cancers, corneal sunburn, cataracts, macular degeneration, tissue growths on the surface of the eye, and more.

Tips To Your Eyes From UV Damage

• Directly protect your eyes from UV radiation by wearing sunglasses or other protective eyewear that block out 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB radiation. These are available at all Kevin Paisley clinics.
• Wearing a hat helps to reduce your UV exposure, especially if there is a gap between your glasses and head.
• Attending regular eye exams (recommended annually for those over 65 years or every 2 years for Australians aged under 65 years) can also help detect and prevent any potential UV-related eye problems so the best course of action can be taken early.
• Use proper eye protective equipment if you are exposed to UV radiation during your job, such as welders or those who work near water, snow or roads, including blue-light absorbing lenses for screen use
• Do your best to keep out of direct sunlight between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest
• Protect your child’s eyes from a young age. It’s estimated that 50% of lifetime exposure to UV happens before the age of 18 years. So keep children younger than six months out of direct sunlight, encourage children to wear sunglasses and hats, and consider using a canopy or umbrella when at the beach or in the garden

View our range of UV-safe eyewear at our Victoria and South Australia clinics today - find the store closest to you by selecting your preferred location here.