alarm-ringing ambulance angle2 archive arrow-down arrow-left arrow-right arrow-up at-sign baby baby2 bag binoculars book-open book2 bookmark2 bubble calendar-check calendar-empty camera2 cart chart-growth check chevron-down chevron-left chevron-right chevron-up circle-minus circle city clapboard-play clipboard-empty clipboard-text clock clock2 cloud-download cloud-windy cloud clubs cog cross crown cube youtube diamond4 diamonds drop-crossed drop2 earth ellipsis envelope-open envelope exclamation eye-dropper eye facebook file-empty fire flag2 flare foursquare gift glasses google graph hammer-wrench heart-pulse heart home instagram joystick lamp layers lifebuoy link linkedin list lock magic-wand map-marker map medal-empty menu microscope minus moon mustache-glasses paper-plane paperclip papers pen pencil pie-chart pinterest plus-circle plus power printer pushpin question rain reading receipt recycle reminder sad shield-check smartphone smile soccer spades speed-medium spotlights star-empty star-half star store sun-glasses sun tag telephone thumbs-down thumbs-up tree tumblr twitter tiktok wechat user users wheelchair write yelp youtube

How the Springtime Sun Affects Your Eyes and How to Protect Them

Woman wearing sunglasses outside.

Spring is finally here! After months of cold and gray skies, the Midwest is coming alive with blooming flowers, budding trees, and longer days filled with sunshine.

While it’s the perfect time to enjoy everything the season has to offer, it’s also essential to pay attention to your eye health. With increased sun exposure comes the risk of UV damage to your eyes—something many people may not think about in the midst of enjoying the beautiful weather.

At Tri-County Eye Care, we want you to enjoy the season safely. Here’s why protecting your eyes from the sun this spring is so important, along with simple tips to keep your vision healthy.

How Springtime Sun Affects Your Eyes

The sun is a powerful source of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. While some sun exposure can be beneficial (hello, Vitamin D!), too much UV exposure can be harmful to your eyes and surrounding tissues. Common problems linked to excessive UV radiation include:

  • Photokeratitis (like a sunburn for your eyes): This painful, temporary condition occurs when your eyes are overexposed to UV rays, especially on particularly bright or reflective days, such as when sunlight reflects off water or white sand.
  • Cataracts: Long-term UV exposure is one of the leading contributors to cataract formation, which can cloud your vision as you age.
  • Macular Degeneration: Prolonged UV radiation can damage the retina over time, increasing the risk of macular degeneration, a common cause of vision loss in older adults.
  • Skin Cancer Around the Eyes: The delicate skin around your eyes is particularly vulnerable to UV damage, which can lead to skin cancer, including on the eyelids.

The vibrant, sunny days of spring naturally encourage more outdoor activities, which means it’s easy to expose your eyes to harmful UV rays without realizing it. But don’t worry; with a few simple precautions, you can protect your eyesight while still savoring the season.

Tips for Protecting Your Eyes this Spring

Shielding your eyes from UV damage doesn’t require drastic measures. Incorporate these easy steps into your daily routine to keep your eyes safe and healthy this spring:

1. Wear UV-Blocking Sunglasses

Not all sunglasses are created equal, so make sure yours offer 100% UVA and UVB protection. Look for high-quality sunglasses that block harmful rays completely. Bonus points if you choose wraparound styles, which prevent rays from sneaking in from the sides.

2. Rock a Wide-Brimmed Hat

Pairing your sunglasses with a wide-brimmed hat adds an extra layer of protection. Hats help shield your eyes and face from direct sunlight, reducing exposure and keeping you cool during outdoor adventures.

3. Avoid Peak Sun Hours

The sun’s UV rays are typically strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If possible, plan outdoor activities earlier or later in the day to minimize UV exposure during these peak hours.

4. Use Protective Lenses

If you wear prescription glasses or contacts, consider upgrading to lenses with built-in UV protection. This ensures your eyes stay protected even when sunglasses aren’t an option.

5. Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration helps keep your eyes moist and comfortable, making it especially important during windy spring days when dry eyes are more common.

6. Don’t Skip Annual Eye Exams

Spring is a great time to schedule an annual eye exam to check your overall eye health. Regular checkups can help you stay ahead of any issues while keeping your vision in top shape.

Don’t Forget About Kids!

Children are especially susceptible to UV damage since their eyes are more sensitive than adults. Make sure your kids wear sunglasses with UV protection and a hat when they’re outside playing this spring. Building healthy habits now can protect their vision for a lifetime.

Enjoy the Season Safely

It’s no exaggeration to say that your eyes are priceless. They allow you to take in the beautiful colors of the blooming Midwest landscape, see smiles on loved ones’ faces, and enjoy the wonder of daily life. Taking the time to protect them will help ensure you can enjoy these sights for years to come.

At Tri-County Eye Care, we’re here to support you in maintaining healthy, happy eyes. If you have questions about UV protection, sunglasses, or scheduling your next eye exam, don’t hesitate to reach out. Have a wonderful, sun-filled spring—but don’t forget your shades!

Now, step outside, savor the season, and enjoy the sunshine responsibly!

Posted On: May 2, 2025 @ 9:07pm
Posted In: Vision, Vision Care, Vision Tips