Summer is a time for enjoying the sun and benefiting from its vitamin D, but it also brings the risk of harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. In recognition of UV Awareness Month this July, doctors from national optical retailer Eyemart Express emphasize the importance of protecting our eyes from UV exposure. They offer practical advice to reduce UV light exposure, including wearing UV-blocking sunglasses, using wide-brimmed hats, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours. These measures are crucial for maintaining eye health and preventing long-term damage from UV rays.
According to Dr. Prayag Shah, an eye doctor at Eyemart Express in Rockford, Illinois, UV light can increase the risk of developing eye diseases and potential vision loss from cataracts, growths on the cornea, and macular degeneration.
“When it comes to UV protection, think about how you spend your summer—what activities you most enjoy—and create your game plan from there,” states Dr. Shah. “For example, time spent at the lake, ocean, or swimming pool can unknowingly amplify exposure due to UV rays reflecting off the water.”
He recommends wearing a hat with a brim and sunglasses as the first step to blocking UV rays but warns not all sunglasses are created equal. Athletic-inspired sunglasses with a thick-rimmed wraparound designs like Nike’s Brazen Boost, Oakley 9026, or Ray Ban 2016 frames are great for reducing light exposure. Fashionable aviator styles with wider lenses from Stetson, Ray-Ban, and Michael Kors ensure your entire eye area is protected.
Dr. Shah also advises people who spend a lot of time outdoors or plan to take a long road trip select sunglasses with polarized lenses to improve visibility and clarity on sunny days. These lenses are made with six layers of protection from the sun, including a 100% UV protection layer.
Lastly, he recommends paying attention to the color of tint on sunglasses lenses.
“Most people don’t know that the tint color on their sunglasses is more than just a fashion statement. Each color provides a specific benefit for your eyes,” states Dr. Shah.
Gray is the most universal color for outdoor activities like walking, where yellow is ideal for hiking and cycling, and an amber tint is best for fishing and water activities. Click here to learn more about the benefits of all 12 tints.
And Dr. Shah has a warning for those who opt to spend time indoors enjoying air conditioning: “Indoor entertainment such as spending time scrolling on social media or a prolonged time watching a television screen can disrupt your blinking pattern and cause the development of dry eyes.”
To combat this, Dr. Shah recommends taking breaks every 20 minutes or using computer glasses that help the eyes focus during a long Netflix binge or while spending a lot of time scrolling on social media.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
