Growing up, were you told looking directly into the sun would make you go blind? That’s somewhat of an extreme outcome, but it is true the sun can cause serious damage to your eyes.
The sun emits both UVA and UVB rays, both of which are commonly associated with skin conditions, melanoma and even immunity suppression. These UV rays can also increase your chances of developing eye conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, corneal burns and even cancer of the eye.
As Texas weather starts to warm up, more people are spending time outdoors. But before you step outside to enjoy the sun, it’s important to understand the dangerous effects its rays can have on your eyes and know how to properly protect yourself to prevent damage that could lead to permanent vision loss.
Follow these tips from the doctors at Key-Whitman to keep your eyes safe form harm:
Though the sun’s UV rays can be harmful to your eyes, don’t avoid spending time outside for fear of damage by the sun. There is plenty of research suggesting the sun is a valuable source of vitamin D, an essential nutrient for a healthy body, including the eyes. Daily exposure to natural light also helps the body regulate sleep/wake cycles.
Get outside and soak up some sun—just be sure to grab your sunglasses on the way out the door!