how to protect your eyes from the hidden dangers of uv exposure

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uv light penetrates eye tissues more deeply than visible light and may increase the risk of eye problems

by isabelle marinier

published may 29, 2025

5 minute read

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5 minute read

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wearing sunglasses even if it's cloudy is a recommended way to protect your eyes from harmful uv exposure. getty images

you love kayaking across open lakes, hiking sunlit trails, cycling along scenic routes, or lounging at the beach with a book in hand, each moment filled with warm, golden sunlight. these outdoor adventures brighten your day and truly lift your spirits, but do you ever really think about what they could be doing to your eyes?

beneath the sunlight’s warmth hides ultraviolet (uv) radiation, an invisible force that stealthily weaves through your eyes, quietly inflicting damage that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late.

eye conditions linked to uv exposure

uv light is a type of electromagnetic radiation with a very short wavelength, making it invisible to the human eye.

it penetrates eye tissues more deeply than visible light, whether from sunlight or artificial sources, and may increase the risk of eye problems such as those listed below.

pterygium (surfer’s eye)

a pterygium, also called a surfer’s eye, is a wedge-shaped growth that forms in the corner of your eye and may extend across the surface. it’s usually caused by repeated exposure to sunlight, dust, wind, or fumes.

though non-cancerous and often painless, it can lead to astigmatism, blurred vision, or cover part of your pupil. if it affects your sight, your doctor may recommend surgical removal.

pinguecula

pinguecula is a condition marked by yellowish, raised bumps on the white part of your eye. these growths develop over time due to long-term exposure to the sun’s uv rays, which can damage the outer layer’s cells and proteins.

people who spend extended periods outdoors, especially in sunny environments, are more likely to develop this condition. while usually harmless, a pinguecula may sometimes cause redness, irritation, or blurred vision.

photokeratitis

exposure to uv rays from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds can cause photokeratitis, a painful eye condition. it causes sharp discomfort, redness, swelling, and blurred vision. if symptoms persist or worsen, seek prompt evaluation and treatment from an eye specialist.

cataracts

cataracts often develop from years of sun exposure. uv rays gradually damage the proteins in your eye’s lens, causing them to break down and clump. this clouding lowers your vision and leads to cataracts.

over 2.5 million canadians live with this condition, which may rise to five million by 2031. common symptoms include blurry vision, poor night sight, and light sensitivity.

eye cancer

uv radiation is considered a risk factor for several eye cancers, particularly intraocular melanoma, which develops in the uvea—the middle layer of the eye.

this is the most common type of eye cancer and can cause severe vision loss or be life-threatening. about 200 people are diagnosed with intraocular or uveal melanoma each year in canada.

eyelid cancers

according to health canada, exposure to uv rays is one of the leading causes of skin cancer, including eyelid cancer. the lower eyelid is the most affected area due to its direct exposure to sunlight.

you may notice a painless lump, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a loss of eyelashes. most eyelid cancers are either basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, though melanoma can also develop.

macular degeneration

extended exposure to uv rays can damage the macula, the central area of the retina that controls detailed, focused vision, leading to macular degeneration. dry macular degeneration, which is more common, develops gradually as waste deposits called drusen build up and damage the macular tissue.

although this dry form usually causes mild vision changes, it can progress to the wet form. in wet macular degeneration, abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid or blood, rapidly damaging the macula and leading to significant, often permanent, vision loss.

how to protect your eyes from sun damage

here are some effective tips to help prevent uv light exposure and protect your eyes from potential damage:

wear sunglasses

wear sunglasses that provide 100% protection against uv-a and uv-b rays to shield your corneas, lenses, and the delicate skin around your eyes from harmful sun exposure.

sunglasses with larger lenses or wraparound designs offer extra coverage and help reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, sand, or buildings. some sunglasses have an eye protection factor (epf) rating from one to ten. choose those rated nine or ten for the strongest level of protection. consider prescription sunglasses if you wear glasses and want to protect your eyes while being outdoors.

use a hat

adding a wide-brimmed hat to your outfit provides extra protection for both your eyes and face. the skin around your eyes is thinner and more sensitive than other areas, making it more prone to sunburn, wrinkles, and early signs of aging.

wearing a hat regularly, especially during summer or while spending time outdoors, helps lower your risk of sun damage and serious conditions such as skin cancer.

protect your eyes even if it’s cloudy

safeguarding eyes is important regardless of the weather, even on cloudy days. while clouds may reduce direct sunlight, they do not completely block uv rays, which can still penetrate through depending on the cloud type and thickness.

in some cases, scattered clouds reflect and scatter sunlight, increasing uv exposure in a process called the “broken-cloud effect.” this means uv levels can be higher than on clear days, so it’s important to stay protected at all times.

never look directly at the sun

looking directly at the sun can cause severe and permanent damage to your retina, the part of your eye that allows you to see fine details. this damage, known as solar retinopathy, occurs when intense sunlight burns the light-sensitive cells at the back of your eye. even a short glance can lead to blurred or distorted vision.

limit being outdoors during peak uv hours

the best way to limit exposure to uv rays is to avoid staying outdoors too long when the sun is so strong. even in shaded areas, uv rays can reflect off surfaces, so wear protective clothing and sunscreen for added protection.

wear protective eyewear when working in environments with high uv exposure

if you work in an industry with high exposure to ultraviolet radiation (uvr), always wear proper protective eyewear. construction, mining, and agriculture jobs often involve prolonged exposure to solar uvr.

additionally, many workplaces use artificial uvr sources, such as welding arcs, mercury vapor lamps, and uv light-emitting diodes (leds), which can seriously damage your eyes.

use certified protective eyewear such as safety glasses (prescription or non-prescription), goggles, face shields, welding helmets, full-face respirators, or eye guards.