The Importance of UV Eye Protection: Safeguarding Your Vision

Want to take control of your eye health this summer? July is UV Safety Month, and there's no better time to raise awareness about the effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays on our eyes.

If you have questions about safeguarding your vision or want to book an eye exam, call Kirk Eye Center in River Forest, Glen Ellyn, Gurnee, or Chicago, IL. Our eye doctors are always ready to help.

Why is UV eye protection important?

On sunny days, we wear sunscreen to protect our skin from UV rays. But what about our eyes? Just like our skin, our eyes are vulnerable to damage from harmful UV exposure. In fact, prolonged and repeated exposure increases your risk of the following:

• Cataracts: UV rays can accelerate the development of cataracts, a clouding of the natural lens that causes blurry vision and, if left untreated, blindness.
• Macular degeneration: UV exposure has been linked to macular degeneration, which affects the central part of our vision needed for tasks like reading and driving. It can also lead to long-term or permanent vision loss.
• Pterygium: This pink, noncancerous growth in the eye is often caused by UV exposure. Pterygium can impact our ability to see clearly.
• Photokeratitis: Also called "sunburn of the eye," photokeratitis occurs when the cornea is exposed to UV rays. It can lead to temporary vision loss, pain, redness, and sensitivity to light. Repeated episodes of photokeratitis are known to cause long-term damage.

How to protect your eyes from UV exposure

During UV Safety Month, we want to remind patients in River Forest, Glen Ellyn, Gurnee, and Chicago, IL about the best possible forms of UV eye protection. These include:

• Wearing sunglasses: Find sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection. Sources like the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommend lenses that block at least 99% of UVA and UVB rays.
• Wearing a wide-brimmed hat: In addition to sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat can provide extra shade for your eyes from direct UV exposure.
• Avoiding peak hours: The sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., so it's best to limit outdoor activities during these hours if possible.
• Using sunscreen around the eyes: When applying sunscreen, be sure to also apply a little around the eyes to protect the delicate skin in that area from UV damage.

When to see an eye doctor for UV-related concerns

If you experience any symptoms of UV-related eye damage, such as redness, pain, eye sensitivity, or vision changes, schedule an appointment at Kirk Eye Center as soon as possible. Our trained eye doctors can perform a comprehensive eye exam, assess the extent of the damage, and provide necessary treatment. Regular, annual eye exams are also important in detecting and preventing potential UV-related eye problems long-term.

Call to learn more about UV eye protection

Summer may be the perfect time for outdoor activities, but don't forget to prioritize your eye health during UV Safety Month and all year round. At Kirk Eye Center, we are dedicated to helping our Chicago-area patients achieve optimal vision. Call today and book an appointment at one of our convenient locations in River Forest, Glen Ellyn, Gurnee, or Chicago, IL. Together, we can safeguard your eyes for years to come.