Protecting Your Eyes From the Sun

A very important part to keeping good eye health is protecting them from the sun. The sun has UV rays that will damage your eyes if unprotected. You should always wear sunglasses. Make sure they give 100% protection. They should give the % on the glasses, usually it is on a sticker. Wear sunglasses all the time, even if you are in the water, or out in the winter. If you are in the car, that does not mean your eyes are protected. I make it a rule to just put them on anytime i step outside.

The ultraviolet rays in the sun can cause damage to your eyes. If unprotected you can get cataracts. That is when the eye's lens clouds. The clouding results in loss of vision. The only way to fix this is surgery. It will happen over time, do not think that it will not happen to you.

The UV rays can also cause sunburn to the cornea. It is also called "snow blindness". You may have age-related macular degeneration or AMD. It damages the back part of your eye and can cause loss of central vision.

Another problem that can happen if you do not protect your eyes from the sun is pingueculum or pterygium. This is growths on the outer coat of the eye.

Last but not least, skin cancer. The eyelids have sensitive skin and it is common to get skin cancer there. It is common because people do not think to cover them up and protect them. It is easy, throw on a pair of shades.

There are a lot of consequences to not wearing sunglasses. First of all, they are a fashion statement, and they look good on everyone. You should have a pair you love, and add to the collection. Do not feel bad, they are saving you a lot of problems and pain. It is very important to wear sunglasses all the time in all kind of weather. Even if you step out for a couple of minutes, that damage can happen right away and it all adds up. Be smart and protect your eyes.