Summer is a great time to engage in various outdoor activities with your family. It’s important to understand, however, that this season’s stronger ultraviolet (UV) rays can harm your eyes. In today’s post, your reliable eye doctor from Southwest Vision Center shares five tips for protecting your eyes:

UV-Related Eye

1. Understand the Potential Effects of UV Exposure

UVA rays can penetrate deeply into your eyes, causing inflammation of your cornea (photokeratitis) or conjunctiva (photoconjunctivitis). Studies also show that this type of UV radiation may lead to ocular changes, putting you at a higher risk of developing pterygium, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Overexposure to UVB rays can result in skin and corneal sunburn, especially since the skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate.

2. Check the UV Index Before Heading Outdoors

The UV index is an international measurement scale established by the World Health Organization that indicates the strength of the UV radiation in a particular place at a specific time. To prevent exposing yourself to harmful UV rays, your trusted optometrist advises checking the UV index in your area before going outside.

3. Always Wear Sunscreen

We recommend using sunscreen lotion with UVA and UVB protection. Not only will this help prevent sunburns, but it can also reduce your risk of developing eye and skin cancer.

4. Wear Sunglasses

Wearing sunglasses is one of the most reliable ways to protect your eyes from UV penetration. We offer an array of sunglasses that are enhanced with 100% UV-blocking features and can absorb up to 400 nanometers of both UVA and UVB radiation. We also suggest choosing oversized sunglasses with wraparound frames to prevent UV rays from entering through the sides. If you’re wearing eye glasses or contact lenses, we can upgrade your lenses with UV protective ones.

5. Have Your Eyes Examined Regularly

Most importantly, visit your go-to eye specialist for routine eye exams. This way, we can regularly monitor your eyes, allowing us to easily detect signs of UV-induced changes or other underlying vision problems and provide prompt treatment.

For more UV eye safety tips, call us at (269) 241-0033 for Buchanan, (269) 241-0032 for Three Rivers, and (269) 241-0031 for Edwardsburg. We serve Buchanan, MI, and nearby areas.

Operating Hours

 Edwardsburg

9:00am – 6:00pm Monday
8:00am – 5:00pm Tuesday – Thursday
8:00am – 1:00pm  Friday
Closed Saturday & Sunday

Three Rivers
9:00am – 6:00pm Monday
8:00am – 5:00pm Tuesday – Thursday
8:00am – 1:00pm Friday
Closed Saturday & Sunday

Dowagiac
8:00am – 5:00pm Monday
9:00am – 6:00pm Tuesday
8:00am – 5:00pm Wednesday
8:00am – 5:00pm Thursday
8:00am – 1:00pm Friday
Closed Saturday & Sunday