Now that summer is approaching, it’s time to focus on not only protecting our skin but also our eyes from the sun. Whenever you are outside, whether it’s at the park, pool, or a sporting event, you see many people load up on the sunblock. But how many of us forget to wear protective sunglasses? Quite honestly, the two go hand in hand, as they are equally just as dangerous to our bodies. Paying a visit to Dr. Amy Walden & Associates Indianapolis Eye Care Center will make sure you have the right equipment to keep your eyes safe from the sun.

Now that the weather is nicer, most of us will be spending a lot of time outdoors. Since we focus on lathering up the sunblock to protect us from the UV rays from the sun, it is important to talk about ways to protect your eyes too. UV rays can just as likely damage your eyes as they do your skin.

Effects Sun Can Have On Your Eyes

Looking directly at the sun is never a good idea. Many diseases can occur when your eyes are damaged by the sun. A short-term condition called Photokeratitis may occur when you have too much sun exposure on your eyes. Photokeratitis is a burn of the cornea. This condition can be quite painful and feels like you have sand in your eyes. This does not sound like something most people would like to deal with during the summer months. It can be treated with eye drops or may go away on its own. But the best prevention is wearing sunglasses, hats or by avoiding direct eye contact with the sun.

Long Term Effects of Sun Exposure

• Macular Degeneration – Deterioration of the central portion of the retina, which can severely impair vision.
• Cataracts – Clouding of the lens in the eye leading to a decrease in vision.
• Pingueculae – A yellowish, slightly raised thickening of the conjunctiva on the white part of the eye. This condition can make you feel as if there is something foreign on your eye.
• Pterygium – Benign growths,  that can form scar tissue and permanently disfigure the eye.

Although some of the eye conditions can be treated and maintained, some damage may be irreversible. No one wants to have vision loss due to reasons that you can control. If you are worried that you may be experiencing eye damage, visit an Indianapolis Eye Care Center for an exam.  The best and most important suggestion by any doctor is to protect your eyes while out in the sun. Don’t expose them to these harmful rays. It is very simple to protect your eyes while you are outside.

Which Age Range is Most Affected By Sun Damage?

From our experience as Indianapolis Eye Care Center professionals, is that as children are growing up, they tend to be outside more than adults. It is said that you will receive 80% of UV exposure by the age of 18. Therefore it is very important to not only provide sunblock for your children but also sunglasses or hats to cover their eyes. Although adults seem to have less exposure than children, they are still at risk for eye damage.

If you work in an industry where you work outdoors, it is very crucial to wear hats or protective eye-ware at all times. Also, doing outdoor activities such as running, biking, boating, and outdoor sporting events are prime events that most people forget to block their eyes. If you’re unsure which eye protection is best for your activity, visit an Indianapolis Eye Care Center for new frames, shades, and recommendations. If you’re outside, your eyes are being affected.

Tips To Protect Your Eyes In The Sun

• Wearing sunglasses that block out 98-99% of both UV and UVB rays. Check out our many options at Dr. Amy Walden & Associates Indianapolis Eye Care Center.
• Wear polarized glasses, which reduces reflected glares from the water and sun
• Wear hats or visors
• Use umbrellas at the beach or pool
• Sit or stand in the shade while outdoors

If you are outdoors a lot this spring and summer, the highest exposure to UV rays is between 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Keep in mind any hours that any time in the sun can expose the eyes to damage, but these are the highest UV sources. By avoiding sun exposure during these hours, sun exposure may be reduced by as much as 60%.

Tips to Soothe the Burn

If you do have sun exposure to your face or eyes, here are a few ways you can help soothe the pain. These tips can help ease the pain and get rid of the redness or irritation.

• Place tea bags on them to soothe the pain until the burn is gone
• Apply aloe vera around the eyes, be careful not to place this to close to the eye however.
• If necessary, visit your Indianapolis Eye Care Center. Your eye doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

Visit Dr. Amy Walden & Associates Indianapolis Eye Care Center For An Eye Exam Today!

Every year you should have a comprehensive eye exam. It is just as important as having an annual physical for your primary care doctor. If you experience any eye irritations, redness, blurred vision, headaches, or any other experiences that are not normal for you or your eyes.

A lot of eye diseases do not even show symptoms, that is why is it important to have a yearly exam. If your a first time patient, we have a discount just for you! Schedule an appointment at our Indianapolis Eye Care Center today with one of our eye doctors at Amy Walden & Associates. We look forward to helping you see clearly!