How to Protect Your Eyes from the Sun Without Sunglasses


Your eyes are exposed to ultraviolet radiation from the sun, tanning beds, and other sources. You already know UV exposure can burn your skin, but these rays can also affect your eyes.

Wearing sunglasses protects your eyes from damage caused by visible light from the sun. Exposing your eyes to UV radiation puts you at a greater risk of developing the following eye health conditions.

Eye sunburn, which is called keratitis
Premature cataracts and progressive vision loss
Conjunctival or eye cancer
Macular degeneration
Premature aging around the eyes
Eyelid skin cancers
Corneal sunburn
Eye diseases

How to Protect Your Eyes from Sun Exposure Without Sunglasses

We have all been guilty of forgetting to protect our eyes from the sun. While prescription sunglasses with polarized lenses are always best for protecting your eyes, there are other things you can do to prevent exposure to UV A sun damage.

Allow these tips to help you shield your eyes from UV dangers, even if you forget to wear protective sunglasses.

Do Not Stare at the Sun

Never stare at the sun when you are outdoors. The white parts of your eyes and retinas can become burned.

Sunburned retinas can lead to macular degeneration, making you lose your vision and see dark spots.

Staring at the sun damages critical eye components. Retina damage is irreversible, though some things can slow it down, especially if the damage is caught early.

Wear a Wide-Brimmed Hat

When it comes to hats, the bigger the brim, the better the level of protection. You need at least three inches of shade around your face to preserve your central vision.

Choosing the right color is also essential for sun protection. Choose a light color so the sun’s rays reflect off the hat. Wide-brimmed hats with a tight weave prevent light rays from coming through.

Use an Umbrella

Sitting under an umbrella can offer protection against exposure to both UV A rays and glare. Choose a large umbrella whenever possible and tilt it against the sun.

Using an umbrella around water, such as at the beach and swimming pool, is essential. Staying in the shade is one of the best ways to combat UV damage.

Wear the Right Contacts

Many people do not realize contacts are available with UV protection. There are two categories of UV protection available in contact lenses.

Class I UV blocker lenses offer the highest level of protection. Class II lenses offer a lesser degree of protection.

Understand When UV Radiation Is Strongest

Have you ever heard that you should stay inside between twelve noon and two pm? If so, you have heard false information.

UV radiation exposure is actually riskier in the morning and afternoon. You may have also heard another myth.

Many people mistakenly believe UV radiation is more dangerous during the summer. You are at a greater risk during the fall, winter, and spring because the sun is lower in the sky during these seasons.

Consider Transition Lenses

If carrying more than one pair of glasses is annoying, you may want to ask your eye doctor about transition lenses. These lenses become darker when exposed to UV light.

There are some drawbacks regarding transition lenses. These lenses do not get as dark as sunglasses and will not darken while you are in the car because the windshield blocks UV light.

Protecting Your Eyes Against UV Rays Is Critical

Next time you put sun protection on your face to preserve that sensitive skin, do not forget about eye protection to block UV rays. Wearing high-quality sunglasses with UV blockers is the best way to protect your eyes.

If you forget to wear sunglasses year-round, stay in the shade and avoid UV B rays as much as possible. Wear a large-brimmed hat to shade your eyes, even on cloudy days.

By keeping your eyes shaded from dangerous UV rays and ultraviolet rays, you can protect against a variety of conditions, the worst of all being macular degeneration due to retina damage.