Protect Your Eyes from Too Much Sun
News
Protect Your Eyes from Too Much Sun (posted July 23, 2025)

By Adam Behnke, Communications Specialist for Brown County Public Health 

July is UV Safety Month, a perfect time for the important reminder about protecting our eyes from the sun. Most of us know about the need for sunscreen to protect our skin from UV damage, but our eyes need some help, too! Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can quietly damage our eyes and lead to vision problems over time. In Northeast Wisconsin, the risk is year-round because the sun might not be as strong in winter, but its reflection off the snow sure can be! This edition of the Healthy Herald will explain how UV rays affect your eyes, what kinds of sunglasses offer the best protection, and why eye safety should be considered during all times of year. 

Why UV Rays and Your Eyes Don’t Mix 
The sun gives off ultraviolet (UV) light, which is an invisible form of radiation that reaches us even on cloudy days. Too much exposure to UV rays can hurt your eyes and your vision. In addition to the sun, some other sources of UV radiation include tanning beds, mercury vapor lighting (often found in stadiums and school gyms), some halogen, fluorescent, and incandescent lights, and some types of lasers. 

Long-term damage from UV rays can include: 
  • Cataracts: Clouding of the eye lens that causes blurry vision. UV exposure is responsible for 20% of cataracts cases. 
  • Macular degeneration: A leading cause of vision loss in older adults. 
  • Cancer around the eyes: The skin around your eyes is thin and sensitive. 
  • Pterygium (surfer’s eye): A growth on the eye that can affect vision. 
Even short-term, intense UV exposure can cause something called photokeratitis, which is a painful sunburn on the surface of your eye. It can happen after a long day on the water, sand, or snow without sunglasses. In winter, a common form of photokeratitis is called snow blindness, when UV rays reflect off ice and snow. It may feel like your eyes are burning or gritty and can cause temporary vision loss.  

Photokeratitis and snow blindness usually go away on their own, so treatment is focused on making you feel better as your eyes heal. For relief, you may try: 
  • Placing a cold washcloth over your closed eyes
  • Using artificial tears 
  • Taking certain pain relievers as recommended by your ophthalmologist 
​
​​Eye Safety That’s Stylish 
Wearing sunglasses is the best way to protect your eyes from UV damage, no matter what time of year it is. When looking for the perfect pair, don’t focus on price or on how dark the lenses look. Outside of personal style, the only feature you should care about is the UV rating: 
  • 100% UVA/UVB protection or UV400 label. This means the lenses block at least 99% of harmful rays. 
  • Pick a wraparound style or a pair with large lenses that cover the sides of your eyes. 
  • For a good fit, sunglasses should sit close to your face and not slide down during activity.  
  • Choosing a pair that has polarized lenses is an optional feature. It helps cut glare, especially if you spend a lot of time on the water, but polarization does not equal UV protection by itself. Always check the label for UVA/UVB protection. 
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a pair of sunglasses that are very effective at protecting your eyes. There are many affordable styles available in all sorts of retail locations. Just be sure to check the label for a high UV rating! 

You can improve your sun protection by wearing a hat along with your sunglasses! If it has a brim all the way around, it will offer shade for your eyes, face, ears and the back of your neck. A tightly woven fabric—like canvas—works better than something like straw which will let some sunlight through. 

If choosing a baseball cap, you should also protect your ears and the back of your neck by applying sunscreen or staying in the shade. 




Putting an End to Eye Safety Myths  
You may have heard some of the following things said before. Maybe you believe them yourself! All of these statements are false, so let’s ‘open your eyes’ to the truth! 

MYTH: The darker the lenses, the better the protection. 
TRUTH: Dark lenses don’t mean better UV protection. What matters is whether the glasses block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays. 

MYTH: You don’t need sunglasses on cloudy or cool days. 
TRUTH: UV rays go through clouds. Your eyes can still be exposed no matter the sky conditions. Yes, even in winter! 

MYTH: Sunglasses are only for summer. 
TRUTH: Snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays. That means winter sports like skiing and snowmobiling are just as risky for your eyes. 

MYTH: Kids don’t need sunglasses. 
TRUTH: Children receive more annual UV exposure than adults because many of their activities are outdoor based (recess, sports, playtime, etc.). Their eyes are more vulnerable, too. 

Eye Safety at All Times of Year 
Here in Wisconsin, we get UV exposure year-round, even when it’s cool or cloudy. The UV Index is highest in the spring and summer. You should wear sunglasses during midday hours, especially near water. Don’t pack the shades during fall! There are still bright days, and some people are outside a lot enjoying the changing colors. In winter, the snow reflects UV rays and can cause snow blindness if you aren’t careful. Using goggles or wraparound sunglasses are best for those who partake in snow sports like skiiing or snowboarding. 

You can check the daily UV Index in your area using the EPA’s tool here: EPA UV Index 

As noted near the top of the article, the sun isn’t the only source of UV radiation. Tanning beds, some welding tools, and other artificial lights can also harm your eyes. If you work in a field with exposure to UV light, talk to your eye doctor about proper protective gear. 

And we should also mention the importance of getting regular eye exams! Your eye doctor can catch early signs of damage and recommend sunglasses that fit your prescription and match your lifestyle. 

An Everyday Accessory 
Sunglasses are more than just a fashion statement: they’re an important part of protecting yourself from damaging UV rays! And while the summer season presents the most risk for your peepers, you should be wearing shades during all times of year. So, whether you’re walking through Baird Creek, boating on Green Bay, or watching the Packers at Lambeau Field on a sunny September Sunday, don’t forget your sunglasses! 

Stay Healthy, Brown County!

Resources 
https://preventblindness.org/protect-your-eyes-from-the-sun/ 
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/photokeratitis-snow-blindness 
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/tips-stay-safe-sun-sunscreen-sunglasses 
https://www.cdc.gov/skin-cancer/sun-safety/index.html 
https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-health/features/uv-radiation.html 
https://thevisioncouncilfoundation.org/explore/national-sunglasses-day-materials/sunglasses-guide/ 
https://enviro.epa.gov/envirofacts/uv/search