We all love sunshine, right? It’s nature’s medicine. For instance, a dose of natural sunlight can improve sleep, thanks to light-sensitive cells in our eyes that guide our body’s wake-sleep cycles. Research has also shown that spending even just 40 minutes per day outdoors can help prevent nearsightedness in children. Spending time outdoors and soaking in the sun’s natural vitamin D is great for our overall health. But, sunlight also poses risks.
How does UV light affect the eyes?
Prolonged or over-exposure of UV (ultra violet) light can raise your risk of developing eye problems and diseases. This is because UV light can irritate and damage the cornea, lens, and surface tissues of the eye.
What eye problems can be caused or worsened by UV light exposure?
How can I protect my eyes from UV light?
The best way to prevent eye problems due to UV light exposure is to take preventative measures. That doesn’t mean you should be avoiding the sunlight, but instead you should be enjoying the sunlight safely. What does that mean? Just like we would protect our skin with sunscreen, we should protect our eyes, too. When you’re outdoors, whether it’s sunny or cloudy, you’re still exposed to UV light. Everyone (even kids!) should always wear sunglasses (here are some tips on how to pick the right ones). Add a hat for an added layer of protection!