In Calgary, summers are treasured, and most of us are eager to soak up all the sun we can get. While there’s been much discussion around the importance of protecting our skin from the sun, and many of us have become diligent about applying sunscreen, the eyes are often overlooked.
Ultraviolet (UV) light is an invisible wavelength of light between 100 and 400 nanometers, capable of penetrating cells and damaging tissue and DNA. UVB light is higher in energy and causes significant surface damage, while UVA light penetrates deeper into the tissues and is much more abundant, and therefore just as detrimental. Ultraviolet light damages both the exterior and interior structures of the eye, leading to health issues such as sunburn of the eyes (photokeratitis), cataracts, macular degeneration and ocular cancers. These conditions are not caused by just a day of basking in the sun, but rather the cumulative effects of sun damage over many years. Therefore, it is important to start protecting your eyes from a young age.
To reduce these risks, choosing a good pair of sunglasses is essential, as not all sunglasses are held to the same quality standards. Look for 100% UV protection, also sometimes labeled as UV400. This protection is offered in the form of an invisible coating on the glasses, and blocks both UVA and UVB wavelengths of light. Note that not all sunglasses contain UV protection, as they are not required to, and a darker lens does not equal better quality. In fact, darker lenses without UV protection can harm your eyes, as they cause your pupils to dilate, letting in more UV rays.
While wearing a good pair of sunglasses is the first step to protect your eyes from the sun, a few other tips can be of great help. Something as simple as wearing a wide-brimmed hat can help by blocking the sunlight entering your eyes from the top and sides of your sunglasses.
Additionally, staying well hydrated is key to good eye health, supporting tear production and keeping your eyes comfortable in the summer heat. And be mindful of when you spend time outdoors — the sun’s rays are strongest around midday. Don’t be deceived by a cloudy day either, as cloud cover does not provide protection against UV rays.
Before summer wraps up and the kiddos return to school, consider booking them in for their annual eye exam. Remember that in Alberta, children under 18-years-old are eligible for partial coverage of a Comprehensive Eye Exam through AHS.
With all that in mind, let’s enjoy the remainder of summer while keeping our eyes safe! Taking a few simple precautions now will help ensure healthy vision for many years to come.
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