Let the Sunshine In, But Protect Your Eyes First

Everyone loves a sunny day, and of course we all know the Sun’s rays help our bodies produce vitamin D, which is essential for our health. But too much sun can be dangerous to your skin, so we make sure to apply a layer of sunblock when we’re outdoors. Don’t forget about protecting your eyes when you're outside, as well.

Our friendly optometrist at Paul Thompson, OD is an expert on maintaining the health of your eyes and the quality of your vision. When it comes to caring for your eyes, we’ve got answers to your questions and concerns, no matter what stage of life you’re in. Our office boasts state-of-the-art equipment and technology for assessing your needs and recommending any steps you may need to take to safeguard your vision for years to come.

The Sun’s rays generate ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can pose a health risk to your eyes — year-round, not just when the weather gets warm. Indoor sources like tanning beds and lasers may produce similar effects. When our eyes become overexposed to sunlight for short periods of time, they may exhibit photokeritititus, a painful condition called “sunburn of the eye” indicated by redness, sensitivity to light and a feeling of grittiness. Over longer periods, exposure to the sun’s rays can put you at risk for cataracts, cancer of the eye and macular degeneration.  

Our optometrist recommends sunglasses that block out 99% to 100% of UV rays and screen out 75% to 90% of visible light. We perform the necessary testing to determine the best choice in sunglasses for your particular needs, depending on your vision, how long you spend in the sun, and the type of work you do, and offer a full range of lens and eyewear choices to choose from.

If you have questions about sunglasses or any other topic relating to the health of your eyes and vision, the optometrist at Paul Thompson, OD can help. Contact us today to arrange an appointment.

By Paul Thompson, OD

April 26, 2022