How to Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays

How many of us remember hearing our parents warn us about looking directly at the sun? How many times did Mom or Dad tell us to put on a baseball cap or sunglasses to protect our heads from the sun? Well, as it turns out, our parents weren't just saying that because that is what their parents told them. The truth is, those beautiful bright sunbeams can also have damaging consequences. If you are looking for an optometrist in Sandy Spring or the surrounding area, our professional and friendly team at Eye 1st Vision Center can help.

The Truth About UV Rays

While the sun isn't typically something we consider dangerous, we do know that it can cause issues like skin cancer and other related problems. Unfortunately, those risks also extend to our eyes, and that is why it is important to protect our eyes from UV rays. Here are a few of the dangers related to excessive exposure to UV rays, according to the National Eye Institute:

• Cancers of the eyelid, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma
• Pterygium
• Corneal damage
• Dryness
• Wrinkles

These are also only a few of the concerns that are linked to UV exposure. This is also why our parents said what they said, and why we should take precautions to protect our eyes from those potentially harmful UV rays.

Tips to Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays

There are many options when it comes to eye protection and clothing today. Hats are always a good option on a bright day, but they probably don't offer the protection that sunglasses do. From glasses with shaded transitions to your typical UV-rated sunglasses, sunglasses are our first line of defense. It is also a good idea, if you can choose when to be outside, to do so during the non-peak hours for the sun. That means early mornings and those hours around dusk are easier on our eyes.

Contact Eye 1st Vision Center in Sandy Spring, GA

If you are looking for an eye doctor near you in or around the Sandy Spring area, then our trusted and friendly team at Eye 1st Vision Center can help. From your standard eye exam to advice on how to protect your eyes, we have your eye care needs covered. Contact us to learn more and schedule an appointment for you and your eyes today.