UV Light
Cornelius, NC
Long-term exposure to UV light in Cornelius, NC can have serious consequences for your eyes.
Even though the sun supports life on our planet, the rays it gives off can be harmful to your eyes. Although most people realize that exposure to UV light can harm their skin, many do not recognize the danger it can pose to their eyes.
If you are exposed to a significant amount of UV light on a short-term basis, you may experience a condition known as photokeratitis. This condition can be described as having sunburned eyes and often results in severe light sensitivity, pain, and red eyes. Fortunately, this condition is usually only temporary. However, long-term exposure to UV light can have serious consequences for your eyes. If you are regularly exposed to small amounts of UV radiation over a number of years, you are more likely to develop pinguecula, ptergium, cataracts, or have an increased chance of macular degeneration.
How to Protect Your Eyes from UV Light
Exposure to UV light can have serious long-term consequences for your eyes, such as cataracts and macular degeneration. To keep your eyes healthy and minimize how often they’re exposed to this form of light, we highly recommend the following:
- When you’re outside for long periods of time, seek shade whenever possible.
- If you’re going to be outside working in the yard, watching a sports game, or doing any other type of outdoor activity, wear a hat.
- Whenever you go outside, wear sunglasses specifically designed to block UV light. Bring your sunglasses into our office if you aren’t sure they block enough UV light.
- Avoid using tanning beds and sun lamps.
To prevent permanent damage to your eyes when you are out in the sun, we strongly encourage you to wear sunglasses. When you are selecting new sunglasses, make sure the lenses provide adequate UV protection. You should also try to find a pair of sunglasses that have wide lenses or fit the area around your eyes closely to ensure that your eyes are protected from every angle.
At Vision Center of Lake Norman, serving Cornelius, North Carolina, we offer many eyewear products, including sunglasses that provide proper protection from UV light. To view our selection of sunglasses or to schedule an appointment with our optometrist, Dr. Chuck Monson, give us a call today.
At Vision Center of Lake Norman, we can help protect your eyes from UV light in Mooresville, Davidson, Troutman, Sherrills Ford, Terrell, Huntersville, Statesville, and Cornelius, North Carolina.