Summer is the perfect time to enjoy parks, beaches, hiking trails, and family activities throughout Surrey, British Columbia. It is also a season when your eyes face more exposure to UV rays, wind, pollen, and dry conditions.
At Newton Optometry Clinic, our comprehensive eye exams help protect your vision by identifying early signs of eye disease and giving you practical advice for protecting your eyes throughout the summer.
How the Summer Sun Can Affect Your Eyes
Summer often means spending more time outdoors, whether you're enjoying local parks, heading to the beach, gardening, or watching children play sports. While sunshine offers many benefits, it also increases UV exposure. Just as UV rays can damage your skin, harmful UV light can also affect the delicate tissues of your eyes over time.
UV exposure builds throughout your lifetime. Even on cloudy days, UVA and UVB rays can reach your eyes, and they reflect off water, pavement, sand, and concrete, increasing your overall UV exposure.
Eye Conditions That Are Commonly Linked to UV Exposure
A sunny afternoon outside is something to enjoy, but repeated exposure to harmful UV rays without proper eye protection can increase the risk of several eye conditions over time. Many of these changes develop gradually, making routine comprehensive eye exams an important part of protecting your eyes.
- Cataracts: UV rays may accelerate changes in the eye's natural lens, increasing the likelihood of developing cataracts with age.
- Macular Degeneration: Long-term exposure to UV light may contribute to damage in the macula, which is responsible for sharp central vision.
- Photokeratitis: This temporary condition is similar to a sunburn on the eye and can cause pain, redness, and light sensitivity after intense UV exposure.
- Growths on the Surface of the Eye (Pinguecula or Pterygium): Long-term sun exposure can contribute to non-cancerous growths that may irritate the eye and sometimes affect vision.
- Skin Cancer Around the Eyelids: The delicate skin around the eyes is vulnerable to UV damage, making sun protection an important part of eye health.
UV Eye Protection: Our Top Tips for This Summer
Summer activities should leave you with great memories, not sore or irritated eyes. A few simple habits can make a lasting difference for your vision, whether you're travelling, enjoying outdoor sports, or relaxing with family and friends.
1. Wear Sunglasses That Provide 100 UV Protection
When you wear sunglasses, choose a pair that provides 100 UV protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound or larger frames also help block sunlight from the sides, giving your eyes better protection.
2. Wear a Hat for Extra Sun Protection
A wide-brimmed hat helps reduce the amount of direct sunlight reaching your eyes. Pairing a hat with UV-blocking sunglasses provides even better sun protection during outdoor activities.
3. Protect Your Contact Lenses and Keep Your Eyes Comfortable
Heat, wind, and air conditioning can make your eyes feel dry, especially if you wear contact lenses. Stay hydrated, wear sunglasses outdoors, and use preservative-free lubricating eye drops if our optometrist recommends them.
4. Wear Protective Eyewear During Outdoor Activities
Summer sports, yard work, and home projects can increase the risk of eye injuries. Wearing protective eyewear helps shield your eyes from flying debris, tools, and accidental impacts.
5. Keep Up With Your Comprehensive Eye Exams
Many eye conditions develop without early symptoms. Regular comprehensive eye exams allow our optometrists to monitor your eye health, update your prescription, and detect concerns as early as possible.
Get Ready for Summer with Healthy Eyes in Surrey, BC
Clear, comfortable vision helps you enjoy every part of summer, from family outings and outdoor sports to afternoons at the beach or local park. At Newton Optometry Clinic, our experienced optometrists provide comprehensive eye exams for children, adults, and seniors, helping protect your eyes through every stage of life.
Book your comprehensive eye exam to support your eye health, improve your eye safety, and enjoy summer with confidence.
Summer Eye Safety FAQs
Can UV rays damage my eyes on cloudy days?
Yes. Up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds, so your eyes remain exposed even when the sun is hidden. Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses whenever you spend time outdoors is a simple way to protect your eyes.
What type of sunglasses offers the best protection?
Choose UV-protective sunglasses that provide 100% protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound styles and larger lenses also provide better eye protection by reducing sunlight from the sides.
Should children wear sunglasses?
Yes. Children often spend more time outdoors than adults, and their eyes allow more UV light to reach the retina. Wearing sunglasses, hats, and other forms of sun protection helps protect their developing eyes during outdoor activities.
How often should I have a comprehensive eye exam?
The right schedule depends on your age, overall health, and vision needs. Our optometrists can recommend an exam schedule that fits your lifestyle. Regular comprehensive eye exams help monitor your eye health and identify many eye conditions before symptoms appear.