How UV Rays Damage Your Eyes—and the Best Ways to Protect Them

 

We all know how to protect our skin from the sun but, how often do we think about protecting our eyes? Just like your skin, your eyes are vulnerable to damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays. Over time, unprotected exposure can lead to serious, even irreversible, vision problems.

In this post, we’ll break down how UV rays affect your eyes, the risks of long-term exposure, and how you can stay protected year-round.

What Are UV Rays?

UV rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation from the sun. There are two main types that can impact your eye health:

• UVA rays: These can pass through your eye’s cornea and reach the lens and retina, causing cumulative damage over time.
  
  
• UVB rays: These are partially absorbed by the cornea and lens but can still cause harm to the surface tissues of your eyes.
  
  

Even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate through clouds and reflect off surfaces like water, snow, and pavement making protection essential no matter the season.

 

How UV Rays Can Harm Your Eyes

Long-term or intense exposure to UV rays can lead to several eye conditions, including:

1. Photokeratitis (Sunburn of the Eye)

A painful condition caused by short-term overexposure to UV rays. It can lead to redness, tearing, and temporary vision loss like a sunburn, but for your cornea.

2. Cataracts

UVB radiation has been directly linked to the formation of cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s lens that can significantly impair vision.

3. Macular Degeneration

Prolonged UV exposure may contribute to macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss in older adults that affects the retina.

4. Pterygium

Also known as “surfer’s eye,” this is a growth on the white part of the eye, often caused by UV exposure, wind, and dust. It can be irritating and may require surgical removal.

5. Skin Cancer Around the Eyes

The skin around the eyes is extremely sensitive and susceptible to UV damage, which can increase the risk of skin cancers on the eyelids and surrounding areas.

How to Stay Safe from UV Rays

 

1. Wear Sunglasses with 100% UV Protection

This is your first and best line of defense. Look for lenses that block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. All of Bôhten's sun and optical frames can be customized with UV-protective lenses combining fashion and function effortlessly.

2. Choose Oversized Frames

Larger frames offer more coverage, helping to block UV rays from entering at the sides or from above. This is especially helpful during outdoor activities or while driving.

 

 

3. Wear a Wide-Brimmed Hat

A hat can reduce the amount of UV radiation reaching your eyes by up to 50%.

4. Use Protective Eyewear Year-Round

UV rays don’t take a break in winter or on overcast days. Snow, water, and concrete can reflect sunlight, increasing your exposure. Make UV protection a part of your everyday eyewear routine.

5. Limit Direct Sun Exposure

Try to avoid being in direct sunlight during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) when UV rays are strongest.

Your Vision Deserves Protection

We don’t believe you should have to choose between protecting your eyes and looking your best. Our frames here at Bôhten are designed with health, sustainability, and style in mind offering UV protection as a key part of every pair.

Your eyes are one of your most important assets. With the right protection, you can enjoy sunny days and bright futures, safely and clearly.

Ready to protect your eyes in style?

Explore Bôhten’s UV-protective eyewear collection