Protect Your Eyes From the Sun This Summer
Thursday, June 15th, 2023, 6:00 am
As a child, your parents and teachers may have warned you about staring at the sun. You were told not to stare at the sun because the sun emits ultraviolet rays that break down the corneas, retinas, and nerves of your eyes. Not to mention, the ultraviolet light from the sun can trigger the onset of cataracts, macular degeneration, and significant eye damage.
However, exposure to natural sunlight increases your vitamin D level, boosts your serotonin, and stimulates your immune system. Considering that you need exposure to the sun in order to be healthy, what should you do? Our eye doctors discuss tips you can use to protect your eyes from the sun without compromising your summer.
3 Excellent Tips and Tricks to Protect Your Eyes
Wear a Hat
Wearing a hat with a wide brim or a cap can protect your eyes from the sun. The hat acts as a shield, shading your face so that you can have fun at the beach without compromising the health of your cornea and retina. For this reason, you should choose a hat with a brim that is wide enough to cover your specific face. A wide-brimmed hat that does not cover your eyes is no better than a regular hat.
Wear Sunglasses
Sunglasses are uniquely designed to protect your eyes from the sun. Today, however, sunglasses have become more about fashion than protection. In order for sunglasses to protect your eyes, they should advertise 400 UV protection. UV-blocking swimming goggles are also advisable.
Limit Your Sunlight Exposure
Most healthcare professionals recommend getting 10 to 30 minutes of sunlight at least three times a week. People who have more melanin in their skin should get sunlight exposure more frequently.
However, athletic people are prone to overexposing themselves to sunlight. In particular, people are more likely to sunbathe, tan, and vacation at the beach during the summer. As fun as this is, it increases your risk of developing blurred vision, overact tear ducts, light sensitivity, and blindness. Reduce your outside activities to less than an hour or have them at night to protect your eyes.
Marion Eye Center & Optical Services
Marion Eye Center & Optical has been in practice since 1978. Today, we have 36 locations and accept 35 insurance providers. If you need eye treatment, contact our Illinois headquarters at 1-800-344-7058, our Michigan headquarters at 1-877-269-4545, or find a center near you.
Category: Uncategorized
