Soaking up the sun is a common pastime of many, but when it comes to UV rays it’s what you don’t see that matters the most.
Regular use of proper sun protection, like Purifier® polarized lenses, is the key to preventing serious damage to your eyes. Exposure to even small amounts of UV rays collects over time and can have long-term negative effects on your eyes.
According to The Vision Council, long-term damage from UV rays can include:
- Pterygium, an abnormal growth on the eye’s surface that can cause irritation, swelling and itchiness as well as corneal problems that can affect vision. And while it can be removed surgically, it also can recur.
- Cataract, a progressive clouding of the lens of the eye and a main cause of reversible blindness. Studies have shown that UV harms the lens and accelerates deterioration that leads to age-related cataract formation. Nearly three million surgeries to remove cataracts are done in the United States annually.
- Age-related macular degeneration, a major cause of irreversible vision loss in older people that may result from prolonged UV exposure.
- Cancer of the eye, eyelid and surrounding skin. According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, a tenth of all skin cancers are found on the eyelid.
UV damage accumulates over the years and cannot be repaired, so it’s essential that you protect your eyes and have regular eye exams from your Indiana eye doctor.