Although it’s lovely to get outside and enjoy the sunshine, it’s important to take steps to protect your eyes from the sun’s potentially harmful rays. While many people understand the need to protect their skin, they often forget that their eyes are also at risk.
If you’re planning to spend time in bright sunlight, make sure to take proper precautions to shield your vision. Sun safety should be part of your daily routine, not just something you think about on holiday or at the beach.
What Can Happen to Your Eyes in Bright Light?
The sun can burn your eyes in the same way it burns your skin. Even with your eyelids closed, your eyes can still be exposed to light because it can travel through the thin skin of the eyelids. Looking directly at the sun can cause immediate burns to the retina and permanently damage the light-sensitive rods and cones in your eyes.
Although your cornea and lens help filter harmful UV rays, they can still become damaged over time. Prolonged UV absorption may lead to discolouration of the lens and increased vulnerability to other eye conditions.
Even short bursts of intense sunlight can be dangerous. Photokeratitis, sometimes called “sunburn of the eye,” can cause pain, redness, blurred vision and temporary vision loss after just a few hours of exposure without protection.
Learn more about Photokeratitis courtesy of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
What Types of Damage Can Sunlight Do to Your Eyes?
Prolonged sun exposure increases the risk of various age-related eye conditions, including:
- Macular degeneration: A leading cause of vision loss in older adults. UV damage may speed up the ageing of cells in the retina.
- Cataracts: Around 10% of adult cataracts are thought to be related to UV exposure, particularly UVB rays.
- Pterygium: A benign growth on the surface of the eye that can become red, inflamed and affect vision.
- Eye cancers: Such as intraocular melanoma, eyelid cancers, and cancer of the conjunctiva (the transparent membrane that protects the eye).
While some of these conditions can be managed or slowed down, the damage they cause is usually irreversible. That’s why prevention is so important.
How to Protect Your Eyes
Sunglasses:
- Always wear proper sunglasses in bright light.
- Look for lenses with 100% UVA and UVB protection.
- Check for the CE mark, UKCA mark or ISO 12312-1:2022 for assurance of quality.
- Tinted lenses alone don’t guarantee UV protection—always read the label.
- Consider wraparound styles to prevent UV rays from entering at the sides.
Hats:
- A wide-brimmed hat or cap can reduce the amount of direct sunlight entering your eyes.
- Hats are not a substitute for sunglasses but offer helpful additional protection.
Children and sun exposure:
- Children’s eyes are more vulnerable to UV damage due to clearer lenses that allow more light in.
- Encourage children to wear hats and sunglasses from a young age.
- Choose child-specific sunglasses that meet the same UV protection standards.
Winter sports and snowy environments:
- UV rays reflect off snow, increasing the risk of damage.
- Wear UV-protective goggles when skiing or snowboarding to guard against both direct and reflected rays, as well as flying ice or debris.
- Don’t be fooled by cold temperatures—sunburn and UV exposure can be just as strong in the mountains.
Tanning beds:
- Artificial tanning beds also emit UV rays that can damage your eyes.
- Always use properly rated protective goggles provided by the salon.
- If goggles are not offered, it’s a red flag about their safety practices—consider avoiding the salon altogether.
Learn more about looking after your eyes in the sun by visiting Moorfields Private Eye Hospital.
When to Be Extra Cautious
Certain situations carry a higher risk of UV exposure to the eyes:
- Midday sun (between 11am and 3pm), when UV levels are strongest
- At higher altitudes, where the atmosphere is thinner and provides less UV protection
- Near water, sand, or snow, which reflect sunlight and increase exposure
- On cloudy days—up to 80% of UV rays can still pass through cloud cover
Checking the UV index in your local weather forecast can help you plan accordingly.
Conclusion
Sun exposure poses a genuine risk to your eye health, but it’s easy to protect yourself with a few simple habits. Quality sunglasses, a sensible hat, and a cautious approach to tanning beds or snowy conditions can all make a big difference. Encouraging children to build these habits early is a simple but powerful investment in their long-term eye health.
Looking after your eyes in the sun today helps preserve your vision for years to come.