Shield Your Sight: UV Protection and Eye Health

Your eyes need sun protection too. Learn how UV rays damage your eyes and how Ontario optometrists can help you protect your vision year-round.

What It Is 

We all know the importance of wearing sunscreen to protect our skin — but what about our eyes? 
Your eyes are just as vulnerable to ultraviolet (UV) radiation as your skin, yet many people forget to protect them. 

UV rays are invisible, high-energy light waves that come primarily from the sun. While the Earth’s atmosphere filters out some of them, prolonged exposure can still damage delicate eye structures like the eyelids, cornea, lens, and retina. 

Over time, UV exposure can increase the risk of serious eye conditions, including: 

• Cataracts – clouding of the eye’s natural lens 

• Macular degeneration – damage to the retina’s center, leading to vision loss 

• Photokeratitis – essentially a painful sunburn of the eye 

• Eyelid skin cancer – benign and malignant cancers can develop on the thin skin around the eyes 

Who It Affects / Risk Factors 

Everyone is at risk of UV-related eye damage, but certain groups should be extra cautious: 

👧 Children and Teens: 
Their clearer lenses and larger pupils let more UV light reach the retina, making protection essential from a young age. 

🏖️ Outdoor Workers and Athletes: 
Daily exposure adds up — even short breaks outdoors can accumulate UV damage over time. 

🏔️ High-Altitude and Reflective Environments: 
UV intensity increases with elevation and reflection off water, sand, and snow, amplifying exposure. 

☁️ All-Season Exposure: 
Up to 80% of UV rays penetrate clouds or reflect off bright surfaces — meaning eye protection matters year-round, not just in summer. 

Symptoms to Watch For 

Prolonged or intense UV exposure may cause: 

• Eye pain or redness 

• Light sensitivity 

• Watery or gritty eyes 

• Temporary vision loss (photokeratitis) 

• Premature aging or skin changes around the eyes 

Long-term exposure can silently contribute to cataracts and macular degeneration — which often develop without early symptoms. 

How It’s Diagnosed 

Your optometrist can detect early signs of UV-related damage during a comprehensive eye exam using: 

• Slit-lamp examination to assess eyelid and corneal health 

• Retinal imaging or OCT scans to monitor macular changes 

• Lens evaluation for early signs of cataracts or clouding 

Routine exams are the best way to catch UV damage before it impacts vision. 

Treatment & Management 

The good news? UV damage is preventable. A few smart choices can make all the difference. 

🕶️ 1. Wear UV-Blocking Sunglasses 

Not all sunglasses are created equal. Look for lenses that: 

• Block 100% of UVA and UVB rays 

• Offer wrap-around or oversized coverage to prevent side exposure 

• Meet optometric or ANSI standards (your optometrist can verify this) 

👒 2. Add a Wide-Brimmed Hat 

Sunglasses + hat = double protection. 
A brim of at least 3 inches can reduce UV rays reaching your eyes by up to 50%. 

👓 3. Ask About UV-Coated Prescription Lenses 

If you wear glasses or contacts, your optometrist can recommend: 

• UV-protective coatings for prescription lenses 

• Photochromic lenses that automatically darken in sunlight 

🧴 4. Remember: UV Protection Is Year-Round 

UV exposure doesn’t stop when summer ends. 
Snow can reflect up to 80% of UV rays, and cloudy skies still allow UV light through — so keep your sunglasses handy all year. 

An Optometrist Can Help 

Your optometrist is your first line of defense in protecting your eyes from UV damage. They can: 

• Check for early signs of cataracts, macular degeneration, eyelid or corneal changes 

• Recommend the best UV-blocking lenses for your prescription and lifestyle 

• Advise on protective eyewear for work, sports, and seasonal activities 

• Educate you on safe sun habits and eye health 

Regular eye exams help ensure your eyes stay healthy and protected — no matter the season. 

💙 [Book an Eye Exam] — Ontario optometrists can detect early UV damage and help you find the right protection for your lifestyle. 

When to See Your Optometrist 

Book an appointment if you experience: 

• Eye pain or burning after sun exposure 

• Redness, tearing, or light sensitivity 

• Vision that feels hazy or “washed out” 

• New growths on the eyelids 

Even without symptoms, adults should have routine eye exams every 1–2 years to check for subtle UV-related changes. 

Related Topics 

• [Cataracts and Aging Eyes] 

• [Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)] 

• [Dry Eye and Irritation] 

• [Children’s Eye Health] 

Resources & Programs 

• [OHIP Coverage for Eye Exams] 

• [Eye See…Eye Learn® Program] 

• [Find an Eye Doctor Near You] 

💙 Protect Your Vision — Book an Eye Exam Today
Your eyes deserve the same protection as your skin. 
Ask your optometrist about UV-blocking eyewear and keep your vision safe — all year long.