The impact of the sun on your eyes

10 April 2025

When we think about the effects of the sun, we usually focus on skin damage. However, our eyes are also vulnerable to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and protecting them is just as important for maintaining good visual health over time.

What damage can the sun cause to your eyes?

Prolonged exposure to the sun without protection can cause a range of eye problems, both short and long term:

• Photoconjunctivitis and photokeratitis: These are painful inflammations caused by intense exposure to UV rays. They are often referred to as "sunburns" of the eyes and can lead to redness, tearing, blurry vision, and a gritty sensation in the eyes.

• Pterygium: This is an abnormal growth of tissue on the conjunctiva. It is more common in people who are constantly exposed to the sun, especially in hot and dry climates.

• Cataracts: UV radiation accelerates the aging of the eye’s lens, promoting the development of cataracts—clouding of the natural lens of the eye—which is one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide.

• Macular degeneration: While multiple factors are involved, sun exposure may increase the risk of developing this disease, which affects central vision and is common in older adults.

How to protect your eyes from the sun
Protecting your eyes from the sun is simple and can make a big difference:

• Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection: Make sure they block both UVA and UVB rays. Not all dark lenses offer proper protection, so always check the label.

• Use hats or caps: Especially during peak sunlight hours (between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.), a visor helps reduce the amount of direct sunlight reaching your eyes.

• Avoid looking directly at the sun: Even with sunglasses, never stare directly at the sun, as it can cause permanent damage to the retina.

• Protect children too: Their eyes are more sensitive to solar radiation, so they need appropriate sunglasses and extra protection from an early age.