Protecting Your Eyes from the Bright Boca Sun

Young woman playing with a dog in the parkIn Portland, we’re not known for our sunshine. But those who really know the Northwest know we have endless sunny days all summer and early fall. Plus, after our typical wet winter, when we do get some sun come June, we all want to be out in it. When we do so we all need to be cognizant about protecting our eyes from the rays of the sun. 

Everyone knows about ultraviolet radiation (UV) and your skin. From crow’s feet to skin cancers, the sun beats up on your skin. It also wreaks havoc on your eyes. 

The long and short of it 

UV-A and UV-B radiation can affect your eyes both short-term and long-term. 

Over the short term, UV radiation can cause photokeratitis. This is akin to sunburn of the eyes. It can be somewhat painful with symptoms such as red eyes, a gritty feeling in the eyes, excessive tearing, and sensitivity to light. These issues are temporary. 

Long-term UV exposure is more dangerous. Scientific studies have shown that exposure to small amounts of UV radiation over the years increases the chance of developing cataracts and may lead to retina damage. The longer the exposure, the greater the association with development of cataracts and other issues such as macular degeneration. 

How to protect your eyes 

At The Eye Clinic P.C., we recommend you wear quality sunglasses and a hat or cap with a wide brim. Certain contact lenses have built-in UV protection, as well, so if you wear them, ask about those when making your next order. 

To provide adequate protection, your sunglasses should: 

  •     Block out 99 to 100% of both UV-A and UV-B rays.
  •     Screen out 75 to 90% of visible light.
  •     Have gray lenses to represent color accurately.
  •     Be high quality and free of distortion.
  •     Provide impact resistance if you wear them during hazardous work or for sports.
  •     If you are outdoors a lot, wrap-around frames provide additional protection.

Equally important is an eye exam every two years with Dr. Wilkins or Dr. Donohue and our team. This isn’t simply to adjust your prescription, but also to catch more serious problems before they start impacting your vision permanently. Call us at (503) 297-4718 to make your next appointment.

Posted in: Eye Care, Eye Conditions



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St. Vincent: 503.297.4718