What Happens When You Don't Wear Sunglasses?

What Happens When You Don't Wear Sunglasses?

Sunglasses aren't just a fashion statement. Wearing sunglasses on a regular basis is a simple way to protect your vision and avoid common eye diseases and conditions.

How the Sun Can Damage Your Eyes

Too much sun is just as bad for your eyes as it is for your skin. When you spend time in the sun without adequate protection, you may be more likely to develop a variety of eye issues, ranging from corneal "sunburns" to cataracts. Eye conditions associated with sun exposure include:

  • Photokeratitis: Photokeratitis occurs when your corneas are exposed to intense sunlight. The condition is particularly common if you spend the day on the beach or on the ski slopes, as both snow and sand intensify the effects of the sun. This sunburn-like condition can cause redness, blurred vision, tearing and sensitivity to light. You might also feel as if there's something stuck in your eyes. Photokeratitis generally only lasts about one or two days but can be very painful.
  • Pterygium: Pterygium, also known as "surfer's eye", can happen to anyone who spends long hours in the sun without wearing appropriate eye protection. The condition causes fleshy, raised bumps to appear on the whites of the eyes. If the condition isn't treated promptly, the growth can cover the cornea, affecting vision, or may even cause astigmatism. Mild cases are treated with medicated drops, while more serious growths may require surgery.
  • Macular Degeneration: Sun exposure may be a factor in the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The condition causes a blind spot in the center of your vision and is a leading cause of vision loss in people 50 and older, according to the National Eye Institute. Although there is currently no effective treatment for AMD, low vision aides can help you make the most of your usable vision.
  • Cataracts: The sun also plays a role in the formation of a cataract, or cloudy lens. The lens of your eye focuses light rays on your retina and is necessary for clear vision. When it clouds, you may experience blurry or faded vision, halos around lights, double vision, light sensitivity and difficulty driving at night. Cataracts are removed during outpatient surgery when they begin to affect the quality of your life.
  • Cancer: Cancer is another potential unpleasant consequence of sun exposure. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, can affect several parts of your eyes, including the eyelids, iris or choroid, a layer of tissue between the retina and sclera. Common treatments include radiation, thermotherapy, and surgery.

Things to Consider When Shopping for Sunglasses

Fortunately, it's easy to reduce your risk of developing sun-related eye conditions and diseases by wearing sunglasses every day. When you shop for sunglasses, keep these suggestions in mind:

  • Look for Glasses That Offer Maximum Protection. The most effective sunglasses block 99 percent of ultraviolet B (UVB) rays and 95 percent of ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, according to the American Optometric Association. Sunglasses don't have to be expensive to be effective. Both inexpensive and costly glasses can provide the same protection from UVA and UVB rays.
  • Choose Gray, Green or Amber Lenses for Better Vision. Although lens color doesn't have an impact on ultraviolet ray transmission, it can improve contrast, making it easier to see in sunny weather.
  • Choose Wraparound Styles. You may still experience eye damage if the sun's rays penetrate the sides or top of your sunglasses. Styles that wrap around your face offer the best protection.
  • Make Comfort a Priority. If your sunglasses are uncomfortable, they'll spend more time in their case than on your face. The most comfortable glasses may not necessarily be the most stylish, although manufacturers offer plenty of attractive frames in every price range.
  • Buy a Spare Pair. Sunglasses are one of the most common items collected by lost and found departments. In fact, more than 55 percent of adults lose or break their sunglasses every year, according to The Vision Council. Purchasing a backup pair will help you ensure that you're always protected.

Whether you're concerned about an eye condition, need prescription sunglasses or are due for an exam, we're committed to helping you maintain your vision. Contact us to schedule your next appointment.

Sources:

National Eye Institute: Keep Your Eyes Healthy: Wear Sunglasses

https://nei.nih.gov/hvm/healthy_eyes_glasses

American Optometric Association: Overlooking the Importance of UV Protection: Only 40 Percent of Americans Wear Sunglasses to Safeguard Vision, 5/20/13

https://www.aoa.org/newsroom/uv-overlooking-the-importance-of-uv-protection

American Academy of Ophthalmology: How to choose the Best Sunglasses, 5/1/15

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/top-sunglasses-tips

Skin Cancer Foundation: How Sunlight Damages the Eyes, 12/7/12

https://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/for-your-eyes/how-sunlight-damages-the-eyes

National Eye Institute: Facts About Age-Related Macular Degeneration, 9/15

https://nei.nih.gov/health/maculardegen/armd_facts

The Vision Council: For Millions of Americans, Missing Sunglasses Mean Harmful Exposure to UV, 5/15/12

https://www.thevisioncouncil.org/blog/millions-americans-missing-sunglasses-means-harmful-exposure-uv

Contact us to request an appointment today.

New Patients receive 15% OFF Second Pair of Complete Glasses!

Testimonials

  • We love supporting our local businesses. Dave Nelson is such an asset to our community. He took the extra time needed to be completely thorough with some issues I was having. I love that he looked at my complete health before coming to a conclusion for my needs. We love the customer service from beginning to end. I put complete trust in Lee Ann to pick out some frame choices for me, listening to my wants and needs. She delivered and I am so excited to get them next week. Thank you so much!

    ...
    Show More - C.D.
  • I was extremely pleased with the complete and thorough eye examination I received. Dr. Nelson took a great deal of time explaining his findings so that I understood them. He then laid out a plan for us to follow for the future of my eye health.

    - D.D.
  • I'm impressed with all of the technology. Great service. Thank you!

    - J.O
  • This was the best experience I have had with an eye doctor. I felt like Dr. Nelson actually listened to how my eye sight was affecting my daily routine and properly diagnose my vision correction needs.

    - A.K.
  • I've been a patient of Dr. Nelson for many years and he is absolutely amazing. I am grateful that he uses state-of-the-art tools to measure changes in my eye health. His advice is spot on for caring for my eyes and his prices make it affordable to do so. I highly recommend you schedule your next appointment here

    ...
    Show More - J.B.
  • Exam and discussion of the results were excellent. Dr. Nelson is kind, considerate, and open to any discussion about your eyes. The pictures from the exam were amazing and Dr. Nelson explained everything that was going on with the exam and pictures. Frame and lens selection are outstanding as is the work of the staff in helping to pick out what I wanted. And those sunglasses...oh my...I love them! Great work Dr. Nelson and staff!

    ...
    Show More - T.C.
  • This was the most thorough exam I've ever had and I've had many. Dr. Nelson understood my challenges and I felt confident in his care. Great experience. Thank you

    - L.F.
  • Efficient and courteous service with a sense of belonging to a family. I have had to wear prescription lenses for most of my life. Never, has anyone ever taken the time to explain what happens to our eyes as we age, why and HOW we see floaters (and with the latest technology used in Dr. Nelson's office - to show you these things and so much more.) and other retinal issues if they exist. The latest technology used in Dr. Nelson's office is non-invasive and amazing to literally see the inside of y

    ...
    Show More - P.L.
  • I've seen Dr. Nelson for many years for my eye care before he opened the new practice in Cottage Grove. I appreciate how very thorough he is and how he takes the time to explain any changes in my vision etc. He and his staff are always very kind and friendly and they go the extra mile to help! I liked that Cottage Grove Eye Care was really easy to find...and I like the space and the fact that they have a large selection of cool frames. Would highly recommend it. Nice to have someone you can trus

    ...
    Show More - H.S.
  • I went to Cottage Grove Eye Care for the first time last year and purchased both glasses and contacts. This is the first year that I have consistently worn both the glasses and contacts and didn't experience any issues with either. I always feel much educated about my eye health when I leave in a way that I never was at other eye clinics

    ...
    Show More - E.W.
  • Friendly, professional, very thorough.

    - T.S.

Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you

Monday

10:00 am

7:00 pm

Tuesday

9:00 am

5:00 pm

Wednesday

8:00 am

3:00 pm

Thursday

10:00 am

7:00 pm

Friday

9:00 am

1:00 pm

Saturday

By Appointment Only

Sunday

Closed

Monday
10:00 am 7:00 pm
Tuesday
9:00 am 5:00 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am 3:00 pm
Thursday
10:00 am 7:00 pm
Friday
9:00 am 1:00 pm
Saturday
By Appointment Only
Sunday
Closed