Summertime is in full swing and the sunshine is here to stay. Your days may consist of fun outdoor activities and soaking up some Vitamin D. But, are you taking the right precautions to protect your vision health? As part of UV Safety Month, take a few minutes to learn about the threats of UV exposure and tips to protect your eyes from the sun’s rays all-year-round.

So what exactly is UV radiation? It’s one of the many forms of energy emitted by the sun. Though it’s invisible to the eye, it can pose a great threat to our skin and vision health.

There are two types of rays to be aware of: UV-A rays and UV-B rays. UV-A rays affect your central vision by damaging the macula, located in the retina. UV-B rays are even more threatening than UV-A rays and are absorbed by the cornea and lens.

The longer your eyes are exposed to UV rays without proper protection, the more at risk you are of developing cataracts, eye cancer, pterygium or macular degeneration. It’s important to be vigilant of how you’re protecting your eyes from the sun on a daily basis.

Sunglasses are the most effective way of keeping your eyes safe from UV radiation. The most protective sunglasses are the ones that block out 99 to 100% of UV-A and UV-B rays, prevent glare and are oversized for added coverage.

A common misconception about sun safety is that it’s only necessary to protect your eyes during the summer months. But, the truth is, UV radiation occurs all-year-round, no matter the weather. Though the sun has many positive benefits for our mental and physical well-being, it’s important to be aware of the dangers of UV exposure and how to keep your eyes protected from the sun’s rays.