What sun damage does to our eyes

Our eyes can be damaged by harmful UV rays

Just like our skin, our eyes can be damaged by harmful UV rays so it is vital to understand what can happen and how we can minimise the chances that such damage might occur.

What damage does sun do to our eyes?

Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause a range of problems including macular degeneration (loss of central sight), cataracts (cloudiness of the lens inside the eye which leads to blurry vision), a growth on the front of the eye called a pterygium and cancerous lesions on the eyelids.

How do I prevent UV damage to my eyes?

Avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day and adopt sun-protection measures like wearing sunscreen and a hat, and invest in a good quality pair of sunglasses.

It is important to wear sunglasses even when it’s overcast as UV damage still occurs on cloudy days.

What are the best sunglasses to get?

Polarised lenses eliminate glare from surfaces such as roads, water, pavements, snow, sand and other reflective surfaces such as car exteriors, so provide the best protection for our eyes while also giving clearer and more comfortable sight when outdoors.

Focus Optometrists has a wide range of sunglasses which can be used off-the-shelf or fitted with custom-made prescription lenses to suit you.