How to protect your eyes from sun damage

Post on 23rd June 2022

As we enjoy sunnier weather, it’s a timely reminder that it’s not only your skin that can suffer from sunburn. Your eyes are sensitive to UV light, and so they can also suffer from sun damage.

Summer weather can, of course, be unpredictable, but did you know that even on dull days, ultraviolet UV rays can penetrate thin clouds and haze, and prolonged exposure to them can be harmful to our eyes? UV light can contribute to a number of eye health conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts. And just like the skin, tissues in the eye are susceptible to melanomas.

6 easy tips to protect your eyes from sun damage

So how can you protect your eyes from sun damage and eye burn? As one of the leading opticians in the UK with over 80 years of experience, here are our top tips:

1. Spend time in the shade when the sun is strongest and avoid looking directly at the sun as this can cause permanent sun damage.
2. Be aware that reflected sunlight from snow, sand, concrete and water, and artificial light from sunbeds, is particularly dangerous. 
3. Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays – look for a CE, UV 400 or British Standard Mark to ensure they provide adequate UV protection.
4. For greater coverage, consider wearing oversized shades or wraparound ones, which help cut down on UV entering the eye from the side.
5. Remember that very dark lenses do not necessarily block more UV rays, and while polarised lenses reduce glare, they do not offer more protection from the sun.
6. Clear spectacle lenses with effective UV protection such as Zeiss are also available, so on a dull day when you don’t want your shades, they are a great option.

Seeking professional advice to keep your eyes safe

If you need specialist advice on how to protect your eyes from sun damage, you can visit your local Scrivens branch.  When you visit our store, our friendly experts will always be happy to help you, while you can also browse and try our range of sunglasses to find the one that offers the protection you need while complementing your style. 

If you found this blog helpful, you may also be interested in reading our tips on how to relieve those hayfever eyes.