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Most of us know how important it is to look after our skin in the sun; we apply sunscreen, seek out shade, and do our best to avoid getting burnt. But ultraviolet (UV) rays can affect our eyes, too.
Unlike sunburn, eye damage isn’t always something you can see or feel happening. But intense exposure can cause painful short-term problems, while damage accumulated over many years may increase the risk of certain eye conditions. The good news is that protecting your eyes is relatively straightforward.
To highlight the importance of protecting our eyes, we’ve partnered with Boots Opticians, one of the UK’s best-known names in eye care. They offer eye tests alongside a wide range of glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, and other eye-care services.
So, what can UV light do to our eyes, and how can we protect them? Often, it starts with investing in a good-quality pair of sunglasses, which you can get with prescription-strength lenses. Keep reading to find out more.
What is UV light?
Ultraviolet (UV) light is a type of radiation produced by the sun. Although we can’t see UV light, it can still affect our skin and eyes. There are three types of UV light: UVA, UVB, and UVC.
UVC is blocked by the Earth’s atmosphere, but UVA and some UVB rays reach the ground. As well as causing sunburn, premature skin ageing, and other forms of sun damage, these rays can damage various parts of the eyes, as well as the skin around them.
According to the World Health Organization, UV exposure can contribute to conditions including photokeratitis, cataracts, pterygium, and cancers in and around the eye.
Free NHS eye tests plus 10% off glasses for over 60s
Booking an appointment online has never been easier, and with a range of offers from 10% off if you’re over 60**, 2nd pairs half price^ & a free NHS eye test if eligible, our expert optometrists are here to help you on your journey to clearer vision.
What can happen to eyes without proper UV protection?
1. The surface of the eye can become sunburnt
Sunburn doesn’t only affect the skin; intense UV exposure can also damage the surface of the eyes. Known as photokeratitis, this painful condition affects the cornea, which is the clear outer layer at the front of the eye.
It can develop after intense exposure to UV light, particularly when the sun’s rays reflect off snow, water, sand, or ice. Symptoms include red or watery eyes, pain, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and the feeling that something’s stuck in your eye.
These symptoms might not appear until several hours after exposure, so you may not immediately connect them with time spent in the sun. Mild photokeratitis usually clears up on its own, but it’s important to seek advice from an eye care professional if your symptoms are severe or don’t improve.
2. The risk of cataracts may increase
A cataract develops when the clear lens inside the eye becomes cloudy. This can make your vision look blurred or misty, cause colours to appear faded, and make bright lights or glare uncomfortable.
Cataracts become more common as we get older, but the NHS says that frequent exposure to bright sunlight without adequate eye protection may increase the risk of developing them. UV exposure adds up over time, so wearing sunglasses throughout your life may help protect your eyes.
3. Growths can develop on the eye
Spending lots of time in the sun without eye protection has also been linked to growths on the eye. One example is a pterygium, a raised, wedge-shaped growth that begins on the white of the eye and can extend across the cornea. It’s also known as ‘surfer’s eye’, as it’s more common in people who spend a lot of time outdoors, particularly in sunny or windy conditions.
While a pterygium is usually benign, it can cause dryness, redness, irritation, or a persistent gritty sensation. If it spreads far enough across the cornea, it can also affect vision.
4. UV exposure may be linked to age-related eye conditions
Some research suggests that high levels of UV exposure may be linked with an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that affects the central part of our vision. However, the evidence isn’t as strong as it is for cataracts.
While the link hasn’t been conclusively proven, the RNIB still recommends wearing suitable sunglasses to reduce the amount of UV light reaching the eyes.
5. The skin around the eyes can be damaged
The skin on our eyelids and around our eyes is very thin and delicate. Like the rest of our skin, it can be damaged by UV radiation, which increases the risk of premature ageing and skin cancer.
While sunscreen can help, some people are reluctant to apply it close to their eyes. Sunglasses with larger lenses, close-fitting frames, or wraparound designs can offer more coverage, while a wide-brimmed hat can provide further shade.
UV exposure isn’t limited to hot, sunny days
Many of us still tend to associate UV protection with summer holidays, but UV levels aren’t determined by temperature. Your eyes can still be exposed on cool or cloudy days, in winter, and when sunlight bounces off bright surfaces.
UV exposure can be particularly high…
- around water, sand, snow, and ice, which can reflect UV rays.
- at higher altitudes, where UV levels are stronger.
- when spending long periods outdoors.
- when driving in bright sunshine or low sun.
- between late morning and mid-afternoon, when UV levels are often highest.
- on cloudy days when the UV index remains high.
Checking the daily UV index will give you a good idea of whether you need protection. You can check the daily UV index for your area using the Met Office weather forecast. If the index reaches three or above, it’s sensible to take precautions, particularly if you’ll be outside in the middle of the day.
Free NHS eye tests plus 10% off glasses for over 60s
Booking an appointment online has never been easier, and with a range of offers from 10% off if you’re over 60**, 2nd pairs half price^ & a free NHS eye test if eligible, our expert optometrists are here to help you on your journey to clearer vision.
How to choose sunglasses that protect your eyes
A darker tint doesn’t necessarily mean better UV protection. Tint controls the amount of visible light reaching your eyes, while a UV filter blocks ultraviolet radiation. So, a very dark pair of sunglasses isn’t automatically safer than a lighter pair. It’s always best to check the label rather than judging protection by lens colour alone.
When choosing sunglasses, it’s best to look for…
- 100% UVA and UVB protection, sometimes labelled UV400.
- a CE or UKCA mark, which shows they meet recognised safety standards.
- a close, comfortable fit that limits the amount of light entering around the lenses.
- large lenses or wraparound frames that cover more of the eyes and skin.
- clear, undamaged lenses that don’t distort your vision.
All sunglasses available from Boots Opticians offer 100% UVA and UVB protection. Their guide to choosing sunglasses also explains more about lens types, fit, colour, and UV protection.
What about polarised sunglasses?
You might have heard of polarised lenses in relation to sunglasses. However, polarisation and UV protection aren’t the same thing. Polarised lenses reduce glare reflected from flat surfaces like roads, water, and snow. This can make it easier and more comfortable to see, particularly when driving or spending time near water.
However, a polarised lens isn’t automatically UV-protective, so it’s still important to check for 100% UVA and UVB protection.
Can contact lenses protect your eyes from UV?
Some contact lenses do have a built-in UV filter, but because they don’t cover the whole eye or surrounding skin, they aren’t a substitute for sunglasses. Wearing both, as well as a wide-brimmed hat on bright days, will provide more complete protection.
Prescription sunglasses can make protection easier
If you rely on glasses to see clearly, ordinary sunglasses aren’t always practical. Constantly swapping between pairs can be annoying, while wearing sunglasses over your normal frames can feel uncomfortable.
Prescription sunglasses correct your vision while protecting your eyes from UV rays, so you can see clearly without having to squint in bright light. They can be particularly useful for driving, holidays, gardening, walking, and other outdoor activities.
If you’d like to give prescription sunglasses a go, an optometrist can check your prescription’s up to date and help you choose frames and lenses that work for you.
Why regular eye tests matter
Conditions associated with long-term UV exposure can develop gradually and cause few noticeable symptoms at first. That’s why an eye test isn’t only about checking your prescription; it also allows an optometrist to check the health of your eyes and spot changes that may need to be monitored or investigated further.
Most people should have an eye test at least every two years, although your optometrist might recommend more frequent appointments depending on your age, eyesight, medical history, or eye health. They might also suggest additional tests, like an OCT scan, which is highly effective for the early detection and monitoring of eye diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
If you experience sudden changes to your vision, new or increasing flashes or floaters, eye pain, sudden blurring, or a dark curtain or shadow moving across your sight, you should ask for an urgent optician’s appointment or contact NHS 111 rather than waiting for your next routine eye test.
Free NHS eye tests plus 10% off glasses for over 60s
Booking an appointment online has never been easier, and with a range of offers from 10% off if you’re over 60**, 2nd pairs half price^ & a free NHS eye test if eligible, our expert optometrists are here to help you on your journey to clearer vision.
Final thoughts…
You can’t always see UV damage, but there are simple ways to limit your exposure. Choosing sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection, wearing a hat in bright sunlight, and keeping up with regular eye tests can all help you look after your eyes over the years.
If you wear glasses, prescription sunglasses also make it easier to see clearly while giving your eyes the protection they need.
When did you last have your eyes tested? If it’s been more than two years – or you’ve noticed any changes to your vision – now may be a good time to book an appointment. It’s also worth checking whether your current sunglasses offer 100% UVA and UVB protection, and investing in a new pair if not.