If you spend a lot of time outdoors, then you may be putting your eyes at risk for excessive sun exposure and potential damage. The sun can damage your eyes in a variety of both temporary and permanent ways, all of which can impact your vision. Here are some of the ways that the sun damages your eyes as well as things you can do to reduce your chance of long-term eye problems.

Common Types of Sun-Related Eye Damage

The sun can be harsh on anyone's eyes, especially if you stare directly at it, but it can also cause damage from cumulative exposure if you don't take precautions.

Cataracts

Cataracts are a clouding up of the eye's lens. Most people get them in some form as they age, but some people get them earlier than usual. There have been studies which indicate that long-term sun exposure and ultraviolet B rays are responsible for causing cataracts in some people.

Corneal Sunburn

If you're out in the sun all day without protection, then you may get what is the equivalent to a sunburn on your cornea or photokeratitis. You can get this condition whether you're out at the beach all day or skiing in snowy, high altitude areas. Though this condition is usually temporary, it could cause major problems with your vision, such as blurriness or sensitivity to bright light, while it heals.

Melanomas

The sun can contribute to some kinds of cancer, such as melanoma. Melanoma can affect both the inside and the outside of your eye. This includes intraocular melanoma, which affects the iris and pupil of your eye. Sometimes, tumors can form from excessive sun exposure, and they will need surgical removal. Chemotherapy may also be needed to keep these cancers from spreading.

Ways You Can Protect Your Eyes

The best way to protect your eyes is to limit exposure to the sun or reflections from snow or water. However, since that's not always practical, you can invest in a good pair of ultraviolet-ray-blocking sunglasses. Make sure you get sunglasses with 100-percent blockage of UV-A and UV-B rays. Prescription glasses often come with their own protection, but you should ask your optician first when you choose your new pair. Wearing a wide-brim hat is another protective measure.

Since your vision is important, you must keep your eyes protected and healthy. Protecting your eyes from sun damage and getting early treatment for any vision problems or odd growths around the eye will help you retain your vision as much as possible. If you're having problems with your vision or any other changes with your eye, contact an eye clinic, such as Cripe Stephens & Stickel, to schedule an eye exam.