UV Safety Month: Keep Your Eyes Safe from UV Damage
Published by on July 12, 2024
July is UV Safety Month, a perfect time to think about how to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) light. Ultraviolet rays from the sun can damage your eyes and vision, leading to serious issues over time. If you’re enjoying your time outdoors this summer, it’s important to know how UV light affects your eyes and what you can do to keep them safe.
What is UV light?
UV light is a type of radiation that comes from the sun. It’s invisible to the naked eye but can still cause damage. There are three types of UV rays: UV-A, UV-B and UV-C. While UV-C rays are blocked by the Earth’s atmosphere, UV-A and UV-B rays can reach your eyes and skin.
How does UV light affect your eyes?
Prolonged exposure to UV light can lead to several eye problems. These include:
- Cataracts. A condition where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurry vision.
- Macular degeneration. Damage to the retina that affects central vision.
- Photokeratitis. A painful, temporary loss of vision, often referred to as “sunburn of the eye.”
- Pterygium. A growth on the eye’s surface that can alter its shape and affect vision.
Ways to protect your eyes from UV damage
To keep your eyes safe from UV damage, follow these simple tips:
- Wear sunglasses. Choose sunglasses that block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound styles offer the best protection by preventing UV rays from entering from the sides.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat. A hat can block up to 50 percent of UV rays and protect your eyes and face.
- Seek shade. Stay out of direct sunlight, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
- Consider photochromic lenses. These lenses darken automatically in sunlight and can provide additional protection against UV rays.
How LASIK can help keep your eyes safer
Considering LASIK or another advanced vision correction procedure can be a great step towards better vision and safer eyes. Here’s how LASIK can help:
- Reduced dependence on glasses and contacts. For patients who no longer require prescription lenses thanks to vision correction procedures, this means they can choose any high-quality UV-blocking sunglasses without worrying about your prescription.
- Improved convenience. Without the need for contacts, you reduce the risk of UV damage that can occur when contacts are not worn correctly or when they dry out in the sun.
- Clearer vision for better safety. LASIK provides clearer vision, making it easier to spot potential hazards and take protective measures against UV exposure.
Discuss UV safety with your LASIK surgeon.
At Kugler Vision, we care about your eye health. If you have any questions about UV protection and how else to defend your eyes, our staff is here to help. Discussing UV safety with a professional can give you peace of mind and ensure you’re taking the right steps to protect your vision.
Ultraviolet light can have a lasting impact on your eye health. By taking simple steps to protect your eyes, you can enjoy clear vision and prevent serious eye conditions. If you’re considering LASIK in Omaha, make sure to discuss UV protection with your LASIK surgeon at Kugler Vision. They can provide personalized advice to help keep your eyes safe from UV damage.
As modern vision correction specialists, we at Kugler Vision are committed to serving Omaha LASIK patients’ needs on the journey to a life free from visual barriers. Take the first step with a thorough eye analysis to determine if you qualify for Modern LASIK. Omaha-area patients who aren’t candidates for LASIK may be candidates for one of our 6 other advanced vision correction treatments. Book online at LASIKOmaha.com.
Lance Kugler, MD, is a specialist in LASIK and vision correction surgery and CEO of Kugler Vision. A proud Omaha native, he is passionate about improving lives through clear vision. Dr. Kugler serves on several national boards, and his practice is recognized internationally as a center of excellence. Dr. Kugler is one of the original founders of the Refractive Surgery Alliance, an international organization comprised of over 350 of the world’s leading vision correction surgeons; he also served as its first president. In 2019, Dr. Kugler was selected as a TEDx speaker, and delivered a talk in Omaha about the worldwide epidemic of nearsightedness and refractive solutions. Dr. Kugler is an Associate Professor of Refractive Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Truhlsen Eye Institute, has been published in many medical journals, and participates in numerous clinical studies to advance the field of vision correction surgery. Additionally, Dr. Kugler is proud to be a Board Certified Fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgery & Visual Sciences. Dr. Kugler and his wife are proud parents to five active kids. When he has a spare moment, he enjoys skiing, tennis, travel, and fine coffee.
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