Most people understand the effect too much sun has on the skin, but what about your eyes? The combination of UV rays and glare from the sun will take their toll without proper eye protection, but not all sunglasses are made the same. It takes an eye doctor to provide sun protection that saves your eyes from irreversible damage. Learn more about the dangers your eyes face in the sun and why the right sunglasses matter.

How UV Rays Affect the Eyes

UV stands for ultraviolet light, a band that is invisible to the naked eye. UV rays come in various formats, but only two kinds reach the earth – UVA and UVB. Both types can potentially damage the sensitive elements of the eye.

The most common damage is a condition known as cataracts. When our optometrist in Elko sees cataracts, it means the lenses that help focus light are cloudy. The film over the lenses comes from a protein buildup directly related to UV ray exposure. When a person has cataracts, they have trouble seeing at night; struggle to see colors, and it becomes difficult to read.

Excessive UV exposure can damage the complex tissue that makes up the retina at the back of the eye. This is the part of the eye that helps translate light into something the brain can interpret. You may also suffer “sunburn” on the cornea – the transparent coating over the eye globe without effective sunglasses.