Posted by: Eye Health Northwest in General Eye Health on July 8, 2025
A lifetime of exposure to UV (ultraviolet) light from the sun can have a significant impact on your vision. Cumulative exposure has been linked to some of the most common age-related eye conditions, including cataracts and macular degeneration.
To raise awareness about the importance of protecting your eyes from UV light, the American Academy of Ophthalmology has designated July as UV Safety Month. Keep reading to learn more about 9 ways to protect your eyes from UV light so you can enjoy clear, healthy vision for years to come.
How Can Sun Exposure Affect Eye Health?
While a little bit of sunlight can be beneficial for vitamin D levels and help regulate your sleep cycle, it’s essential to remember that excessive exposure can lead to various health problems, including cancers, cataracts, and pterygium. Luckily, following these simple tips can help you protect your vision and eye health this UV safety month:
1. Don’t Look Directly at the Sun
Looking directly at the sun allows UV light to flood the retina, burning eye tissue in the same way as a sunburn damages skin. It is never safe to look directly at the sun, even on a cloudy day or through glass.
2. Wear the Right Sunglasses
Before buying a pair of sunglasses, ensure that the lenses block 100% of both UVA and UVB light. For added sun protection, choose wraparound styles or sunglasses with large lenses.
3. Put on a Wide-Brimmed Hat
Wide-brimmed hats, especially those with a high ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating of 50+, can do an excellent job of protecting your eyes and covering the scalp, face, ears, and neck. The best hats to block UV light are made from tight-knit fabrics, such as cotton, straw, polyester, and nylon.
4. Check the UV Index Daily
The UV index is a measurement of the intensity of UV light from the sun at a specific time and location. Knowing the UV index in your area can help you plan what you’ll need to protect your eyes as you head out for the day.
5. Stay in the Shade
The peak hours for UV light from the sun are between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. If you must be outdoors during that time, try to find shade under trees, umbrellas, or covered porches or patios.
6. Choose Lenses with UV Protection
If you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, opt for options that offer UV light protection. While most brands of contact lenses provide UV protection, special coatings can be applied to the lenses of eyeglasses to increase their ability to block UV rays.
7. Be Aware of Hidden Sources of UV Light
UV light reflected off water, sand, snow, and concrete can be as harmful as direct sunlight. When you are outdoors, check your surroundings for hidden sources of UV light and take steps to prevent unintended exposure.
8. Cover Windows with UV-Filtering Film
Adding a translucent UV-filtering film to your home, office, or car windows can help reduce your exposure to UV rays. This added layer of protection is especially beneficial for people who spend long hours indoors by a window or those who drive frequently during the daytime.
9. Schedule Regular Comprehensive Eye Exams
Regular eye exams with your ophthalmologist help ensure that the effects of cumulative UV light exposure don’t impair the clarity of your vision. They enable your eye doctor to monitor the health of your eyes and detect developing eye problems in their earliest stages when treatment is often most effective.
It’s nearly impossible to avoid exposure to UV light altogether, but there are ways to limit its impact on eye health. Simple steps such as wearing sunglasses and scheduling regular comprehensive eye exams can help protect your eyes from the dangers of UV light.
Do you remember when you had your last eye exam? If not, it’s time to schedule an appointment at EyeHealth Northwest in Portland, OR, today!
