Ultraviolet Radiation and Your Eyes: Get Sun Smart!

As the summer heats up many of us are eager to enjoy the warmth of the sun and the activities that go along with it.  While continued awareness of the importance of UV protective clothing and sunscreen exists, there is a lack of emphasis on the impacts the sun and UV exposure has on the eyes.  UV damage to the eyes is known as the “invisible threat” and its impacts are measured and classified by the strength of the UV ray in nanometers (nm).  




In order to keep eyes protected from solar radiation, 100% UV block sunglasses should be worn anytime outdoors in daylight.  Even on cloudy days, damaging UV rays can penetrate the cloud coverage. 

Who is at Risk?




  • spend long hours in the sun
  • have had cataract surgery or have certain retina disorders

Additionally, extended UV exposure has been linked to significant eye problems, including cataracts, macular degeneration, pingueculae, pterygia and photokeratitis.   Many skin cancers can occur on the eyelids and external features of the eye.  Additionally, while ocular melanoma is rare it is the most common eye cancer in adults, because of the increasing number of UV related cataracts and eye cancers; Prevent Blindness, and many other organizations, strongly recommend that everyone utilize UV protection eyewear, not only those who engage in outdoor disciplines and recreation.


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