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When it comes to sun exposure, most people immediately think of skin damage and sunburns. However, the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can also cause serious damage to your eyes. What many people don’t realize is that this damage can begin within just a few minutes of unprotected exposure. Whether it's a bright summer day or overcast skies, UV rays are present and can silently harm your vision over time.

How Quickly Can the Sun Harm Your Eyes?

Eye damage from UV exposure can happen faster than you might think. In as little as 15 minutes of intense sun exposure without protection, your eyes can begin to suffer from a condition called photokeratitis. This is essentially a sunburn on the surface of the eye and can cause redness, pain, blurred vision, and a gritty sensation. While photokeratitis is usually temporary, repeated UV damage over the years can lead to more permanent eye conditions.

Long-term exposure to UV rays has been linked to several eye diseases, including:
 

• Cataracts

• Macular degeneration

• Pterygium

The Role of Sunglasses in Eye Protection

Wearing high-quality sunglasses is one of the most effective ways to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. But not all sunglasses offer the same level of protection. To ensure your eyes are fully shielded, look for the following features:
 

• 100 percent UV protection: Always check the label to confirm that the lenses block 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays.

• Polarized lenses: These lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and pavement, providing clearer vision and added comfort.

• Wraparound styles: Sunglasses with wider lenses or wraparound frames help block sunlight from entering at different angles.

• Photochromic lenses: Also known as transition lenses, these automatically darken in response to sunlight and can be a convenient option for daily wear.

Why You Should Never Skip Eye Exams

While sunglasses offer essential protection, regular comprehensive eye exams are just as important in maintaining long-term eye health. These exams can detect early signs of sun-related damage as well as other common eye conditions. Many of these issues develop gradually and may not present noticeable symptoms at first. By visiting your optometrist regularly, you give yourself the best chance of catching and addressing problems early before they affect your vision permanently.
 

Find the Perfect Sunglasses at Super Optical Express

Sun exposure can begin damaging your eyes faster than you may expect. Fortunately, with the right sunglasses and regular eye exams, you can protect your vision now and for years to come. The key is not waiting until symptoms appear. Prevention is the best defense against sun-related eye damage.
 

Schedule your comprehensive eye exam at Super Optical Express and let us help you find the right sunglasses for maximum protection. Visit our office in Gainesville, Florida, or call (352) 702-9700 to book an appointment today.