The sun is out! The snow is melting! Is that spring around the corner? As much as we love the sun and what it means, we need to watch out for the sun’s harmful rays. We have all heard how important it is to protect our skin against the risks of sun exposure, but our eyes are no exception. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, whether from natural sunlight or artificial rays, can damage the eye.

Years and years of spending hours in the sun without adequate eye protection can increase the chances of developing a variety of eye disorders.

• Snow Blindness (Photokeratitis): Overexposure of UV rays at the beach, exposure to artificial light sources like tanning beds or reflections off of snow or water can cause a temporary, but painful burn on the eye’s surface. This burn can cause temporary vision loss that usually lasts 24-48 hours.

• Cataracts: UV rays pass though the cornea and reach the lens, the lens absorbs the UV radiation, this in turn causes a clouding of the lens that can blur vision. After cataract surgery, the artificial lens provides less UV protection.

• Macular Degeneration: Research suggests that lifelong UV exposure may play a role in the development of macular degeneration.

• Pterygium: UV rays can cause an abnormal tissue growth on the eye’s surface that can grow over the cornea and eventually require surgery to remove.

• Skin Cancer: Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer to affect the eyelids and the skin around the eyes.

Want to avoid potential damage to your eyes from the sun? The solution is simple; wear sunglasses anytime you are outside. Not all sunglasses block UV rays, so look for sunglasses that block at least 99-100% of UV-A and UV-B rays. Polarized lenses are a great choice as they help to reduce glare from the road, water and snow. However, make sure these lenses are treated with UV coating otherwise they don’t offer UV protection. Many contact lenses incorporate a UV blocker in the material, but since contacts don’t cover the whole eye sunglasses are still needed. Wrap-around sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats add extra layers of protection. Check with your eye care professional to make sure you are getting adequate protection.

Think you are safe on cloudy days? Think again. Cloud cover doesn’t affect UV levels significantly. Your risk of UV exposure can be high even on hazy or overcast days. Be careful even in the wintertime as UV exposure can nearly double when the sun’s rays are reflected off the snow. If you ski or snowboard, make sure you choose the ski goggles with adequate UV protection.

Anyone who spends time outdoors is at risk for eye problems from UV radiation. Ultraviolet levels are greater when the sun is high in the sky; typically between 10am and 2pm. UV levels are also greater in tropical areas near the earth’s equator and at higher altitudes. Certain medications can make people extremely sensitive to sunlight due to photosensitizing chemicals in the medications. People taking medications for acne or psoriasis, or an antibiotics or oral contraceptive should talk with their doctor about possible side effects. All of these conditions increase the need for protection with sunglasses and hats.

Don’t forget the kids! Children generally spend more time outdoors than adults. In fact, most of our lifetime exposure to UV rays occurs by age 18. Young eyes are clearer and more vulnerable to damage. Make sure you children’s eyes are protected from the sun by wearing good quality sunglasses (not toy sunglasses) and a hat on sunny days. And, don’t forget the sunscreen!

Go out and enjoy the sunshine and warm weather it brings, but remember to wear your sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen to reduce your UV exposure.

Dr. Megan E Lind, O.D., F.A.A.O., is a comprehensive eye care specialist at Milwaukee Eye Care Associates. Dr. Peter S. Foote is the medical director. For additional information on UV protection or any other eye concern, please contact Dr. Lind at 414-271-2020.