Exposure to sunlight can be a natural mood-booster, making it beneficial to set aside time to go outside and do physical activities like walking and running. Moreover, research shows that the health benefits of sunlight go beyond mood regulation, as the sun’s ultraviolet rays can enhance vitamin D production for bone strength, cell function, and the immune system.
Studies have also proven that natural light can help set your body’s internal clock to ensure quality sleep. A previous post highlighted the need to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night, which means soaking in the sun can keep your body in tip-top shape while also reducing the risk of mental health problems associated with sleep deprivation.
However, the sun can emit ultraviolet rays that can otherwise affect your health through prolonged exposure. Below, we discuss how excessive sunlight can particularly damage your eyes, before outlining eye care tips to preserve your long-term vision when maximizing the sun’s health benefits.
Why you need to protect your eyes from the sun
As previously mentioned, the health risks attributed to excessive exposure can overshadow the sun’s benefits. Research published in the journal Healthcare notes that the sun’s harmful UV light can increase the risk of several ocular conditions, including photo conjunctivitis and photokeratitis, or sunburn.
Exposure to even the smallest doses of UV can also be a risk factor for serious eye diseases, such as cataracts, pterygium (fleshy overgrowth in the eye), and squamous cell carcinoma of the cornea and the conjunctiva. Since vision is crucial to overall health and functioning, the following section provides tips on enjoying sunlight without compromising eye health and safety.
How to maintain eye health and safety
Wear sunglasses
One of the most straightforward ways to shield your eyes from the sun’s damaging UV rays is to wear sunglasses. Beyond being a fashion accessory, sunglasses serve as a physical barrier that reduces UV exposure, ultimately lowering the risk of sun-related eye damage.
However, the protective function of sunglasses depends on the right choice of frames and lenses. On OPSM, you can find high-coverage frame styles, such as the oversized Oakley Double Edge and the Arnette AN4182 wraparounds, for optimal protection. Their lenses are equipped with 100% UV protection, but you can further preserve vision health and comfort through lens features like polarized filters, which reduce glare from reflective surfaces.
Monitor the UV index
In addition to wearing sunglasses, it’s crucial to monitor the UV index before spending time outdoors. As covered in the linked article, a UV index of 8 to 10 signifies a high level of UV radiation, urging you to avoid the hottest times of the day (between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.) to protect your eyes and overall health.
Since the sun not only puts your eye health at risk but can also burn the skin and contribute to skin cancer risk, remember to apply sunscreen from brands like Neutrogena and Cetaphil, as they typically provide broad-spectrum protection with at least SPF 30. It is also advisable to wear a broad-brimmed hat to further protect your eyes, face, and scalp from the sun’s heat and radiation.
Get regular eye exams
Since natural sunlight will inevitably be part of your everyday life, schedule routine eye exams to monitor your eye health and ensure your vision is not damaged by UV radiation. While there’s an evident rise in FDA-approved self-eye exams from eye care providers like Visibly, these are usually only for testing visual acuity and detecting refractive errors.
You are still advised to visit a qualified eye care professional for a comprehensive examination and diagnosis of signs and symptoms of UV-related eye conditions, such as cataracts and photokeratitis.
Whether you plan to maximize sunlight through daily walks or outdoor activities like hiking, adopt the tips mentioned above to protect your eye health in the long term.
Lolita Bratton
Lolita Bratton has years of experience in freelance writing on topics like health and wellness. When she’s not working, you’ll find her hiking on the weekends or practicing yoga at home.
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