Protecting Your Eyes from the Sun

Hello, spring! With warmer months approaching, you will most likely be spending a lot more time outside soaking up the sunshine and fresh air. Although you may love the great outdoors, too much exposure to the sun’s UV light can raise the risk of eye diseases such as cataracts and cancer. These diseases can take years to develop, but each time you expose yourself to the sun without protection you add to that damage.
Since Cape May County is by the ocean, it’s considered UV-intense. Therefore, you must take extra precautions to protect your precious eyesight. Follow these tips to protect your eyes from the sun this spring and summer:
• Wear UV-blocking sunglasses and broad-brimmed hats whenever you’re outside. Don’t forget about children and senior citizens, too – everyone is at risk.
• Be aware of clouds. You might think they are blocking the sun, but the sun’s rays can be just as harmful on cloudy days as they pass through haze and thin clouds.
• Never look directly at the sun. Doing so can result in solar retinopathy, which is damage to the eye’s retina from solar radiation.
• Seek shade when you’re outside during the afternoon – this is when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
• Visit your eye doctor regularly for checkups to make sure your eyes are staying healthy!
Bayside Eye Center, located at 2004 Bayshore Rd., Villas, provides an array of eye care services including comprehensive eye examinations, emergency eye services, management of cataracts and glaucoma, contact lenses, electrodiagnostic services and dry eye treatment. Dr. Young is Board Certified by the American Board of Optometry and strives for the best outcomes for patients. Bayside Eye Center utilizes the most advanced technology to deliver care safely and reliably to its patients. For more information, contact Bayside Eye Center at (609) 886-1578.