July is UV Safety Awareness Month: Protect Your Eyes From UV Damage

July is UV Safety Awareness Month, which often brings to mind images of sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats to protect your skin from ultraviolet (UV) damage from the sun. However, your eyes are also vulnerable. Did you know that UV exposure can cause eye problems like macular degeneration, cataracts, retinal damage, and cancer? The good news is that most of these risks can be reduced with simple, consistent habits.

What Is UV Radiation and How Does It Affect the Eyes?

UV radiation is a form of energy produced by the sun (and artificial sources like tanning beds). There are two main types of UV rays that reach the Earth’s surface.

• UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin and eyes and are linked to damage in deeper structures like the retina and choroid.

• UVB rays have higher energy and are primarily responsible for sunburns. They can also harm the eye’s surface and lens.

  
  

The eye, while small, is extremely sensitive to light and energy. Cumulative UV exposure over the years can damage various parts of the eye, including:

• The cornea, leading to painful inflammation (photokeratitis). Acute photokeratitis (snow blindness) can occur even over short periods when in very bright environments such as during winter activities where strong UV rays at high altitude are reflected off snow.

• The conjunctiva, causing pterygia (also known as surfer's eye) and pingueculae. A certain type of cancer, called carcinoma, can develop on the surface of the eye.

• The lens, increasing the risk of cataracts.

• The retina, potentially accelerating age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

• The ciliary body and choroid, potentially leading to another type of cancer called melanoma, although more research for this association is still needed.

  
  

Remember that UV rays can reflect off water, sand, pavement, and snow, increasing your exposure. Also, unlike visible light, UV radiation can penetrate clouds, meaning your eyes are still at risk on overcast days.

Eye Conditions Linked to UV Exposure

1. Photokeratitis

Essentially a “sunburn” of the cornea, this painful condition can happen after intense UV exposure, such as a day at the beach or skiing without sunglasses. It can cause extremely blurry vision. Fortunately, most cases recover with time and supportive care.

2. Pterygium and Pinguecula

This is a benign (non-cancerous) but potentially vision-distorting growth on the white part of the eye, more common in people with significant outdoor exposure to sunlight as well as wind and dust. Large growths can block the vision and cause significant astigmatism. These growths can be removed via surgery.

3. Ocular Surface Cancer

Carcinoma of the ocular surface (cornea and conjunctiva) can occur. Just like any other cancer, it has the potential to spread to other parts of the body (metastasize), leading to serious morbidity and mortality.

4. Cataracts

Cloudiness developing in the eye’s natural lens is called a cataract. This reduces your visual clarity and can cause you to see glare and halos, particularly at night. UV exposure accelerates the breakdown of proteins in the lens, contributing to earlier cataract formation.

5. Macular Degeneration

UV light may contribute to the development of AMD, a leading cause of vision loss in adults over 50. It damages the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision, gradually causing central blurriness and blind spots. Although there is treatment to mitigate vision loss from AMD, there is no cure, and some vision loss is permanent. Macular degeneration can creep up without visual symptoms, so it's important to see your ophthalmologist regularly to check for this condition.

6. Iris or Ciliary Body Cancer

Another type of cancer, called melanoma, can develop in the iris or ciliary body (around the colored part of the eye). This is also called uveal melanoma and has the potential to spread to other parts of the body. If not treated, melanoma can be deadly.

7. Eyelid and Skin Cancers

The thin, delicate skin around the eyes is a high-risk area for basal cell carcinoma and other UV-induced skin cancers. Your ophthalmologist and your dermatologist should be able to detect these lesions.

This image was originally published in the Retina Image Bank. Virginia Gebhart. New Iris Melanoma. Retina Image Bank. 2025; Image Number 131346. © The American Society of Retina Specialists

Who Should Be Most Careful About UV Protection?

While everyone should take precautions, certain individuals are at higher risk for UV-related eye conditions:

• Adults over 50

• People with light-colored eyes

• Those who spend a lot of time outdoors or on the water

• People taking medications that increase light sensitivity, such as tetracycline antibiotics and retinoids

• Individuals living at high elevations or in sunny climates

6 Simple Ways to Protect Your Eyes from UV Damage

Here are practical steps you can take to keep your eyes safe.

1. Wear Sunglasses with 100% UVA/UVB Protection

Look for lenses that block 100% of UV rays. This should be clearly marked on the label. Wraparound styles or larger frames offer better coverage, helping shield both your eyes and surrounding skin.

2. Use a Wide-Brimmed Hat

A hat with at least a 3-inch brim can reduce your UV exposure by up to 50%. It’s a simple but powerful step, especially during midday hours when UV levels are highest.

3. Upgrade Your Prescription Glasses

If you wear prescription lenses, ask your eye care provider about UV-blocking coatings or photochromic lenses (which darken in sunlight). These options provide continuous protection without needing a separate pair of sunglasses.

4. Avoid Direct Sun Exposure During Peak Hours

Try to limit time outdoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest. Seek shade when possible.

5. Be Cautious Around Reflective Surfaces

Surfaces like water, snow, sand, and concrete can reflect and intensify UV radiation. This can lead to higher exposure, even when you’re not facing the sun directly.

6. Get Regular Eye Exams

An annual, comprehensive eye exam is one of the best ways to catch UV-related damage early. With careful evaluation and imaging, we can detect subtle signs before you develop symptoms.

Final Thoughts

One of the challenges of UV damage is that it’s silent. You may not notice the changes if your vision is not yet affected. Just like we use sunscreen daily to prevent future skin cancer, we should think of UV-blocking eyewear as sunscreen for our eyes. Take a moment to assess your sun protection routine this summer, and get in touch with your eye care provider if you have any concerns.

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Dr. Sophia Wong is a retina specialist, surgeon and board-certified ophthalmologist. She established Beacon Retina, the first concierge ophthalmology practice in the Washington, D.C. metro region, to prioritize thoughtful, patient-centered care for preserving long-term vision.