This Summer, Protect Your Retinal Health
Originally Published by Retina Associates, LLC.
It's officially summer –- time for beach trips, patio grilling, and enjoying the sunshine with friends and family. While most of us remember to protect ourselves from the sun by lathering on sunscreen, it’s easy to forget that our eyes, especially our retinas, need protection too. Let’s break down what you need to know about ultraviolet (UV) rays, how they can damage your retinas, and what you can do to protect your eyes this summer and all year round.
How UV Rays Can Hurt Your Retinas
Overexposure to UV rays can increase the risk of eye diseases and other conditions, including cataracts, eye cancers, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and eye growths like pterygium, also known as surfer’s eye. Moreover, a particular type of UV light, called UVA, passes through the retina and can lead to central vision loss, making it difficult to see fine details. Therefore, it's essential to protect your eyes while spending time outdoors.
Tips for Protecting Your Retinas in the Sun
Protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays is easy; it just involves a little preparation and awareness while outdoors. Here are some helpful tips:
- Wear sunglasses with proper UV protection
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat
- Never look directly into the sun
- Avoid tanning beds, as even artificial UV light can damage eyesight
When picking sunglasses, it’s important to choose lenses that provide 100% UV or UV400 protection or block both UV-A and UV-B rays. If you aren’t sure about which glasses to pick, you can consult a retina specialist for recommendations.
Treating Sun-Related Eye Concerns
Did you know your eyes can get sunburned just like your body can? Symptoms include eye pain, blurry vision, redness or swelling, and sensitivity to bright light. If you wear contact lenses, you should remove them immediately. Resist the urge to rub your eyes, as doing so can cause more irritation. You can use a cold compress and eye drops to soothe and lubricate your eyes. If you have further concerns, a retina specialist can evaluate the damage and provide more advanced treatments if needed.
Get Quality Retinal Care Year Round
While UV light is strongest during the summer months, any amount of sunlight can lead to damaged retinas. The best way to protect your eyes is to wear protective sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat while outdoors. At Retina Associates Kansas City, we want to wish you a happy and healthy summer! If you have any questions regarding your retina health, contact us today.