If Sunscreen Is the Only Sun Protection You Wear in the Summer, You're Taking a Big Risk

Our summertime mantra consists of two little words: Wear sunscreen. Every year, dermatologists, beauty editors, and our moms take pains to remind us not to step outside without a head-to-toe layer of SPF 30+. But don’t get so busy slathering on lotion and picking out a sun hat that you forget to protect the rest of your body. Sun safety means taking care of every part of your body that’s exposed to the sun, and that includes your eyes.

What are the effects of UV light on eyes?
There’s a reason you squint when you walk out into the sun: Our eyes naturally narrow to protect themselves from the bright light, which also serves to help protect them from harmful UV rays. But as the World Health Organization points out, “the effectiveness of these natural defenses in protecting against UV damage is limited.” It’s important to keep in mind that UV exposure is a threat even on cloudy days, when you might not think to grab your sunglasses. That means that no matter the weather, it’s important to protect your eyes.

Just as with the effects of UV on skin, the list of eye problems that can result from UV exposure is long and, we’ll be honest, filled with scary-sounding names.

Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause issues like pterygium (a growth on the surface of the eye), cataracts, and even “snow blindness,” a common affliction in skiers who spend time on bright, snowy mountains. There’s also some evidence that exposure to UV light may increase the risk of eye melanoma. More common is photokeratitis, an inflammation of the cornea that can be thought of as a sunburn on the eye. Photokeratitis even had an A-list moment last year when actor Busy Philipps ended up at the hospital after “it felt like there were shards of glass in both [her] eyes.” Thankfully, the condition is temporary and can be treated with over-the-counter eye drops, antibiotic drops, or an ointment as recommended by your ophthalmologist. But just like sunburn, “eyeburn” should never occur in the first place if you’re properly protecting your eyes.

How can you protect your eyes from UV damage?
First, a quick science lesson. The World Health Organization defines ultraviolet radiation as radiation that ranges from 100 to 400 nanometers (nm), the unit of wavelength measurement. That means that for adequate UV protection, your glasses should block up to 400 nm. That’s where ZEISS, a leading lens manufacturer responsible for world-renowned camera, binocular, eyeglass and even microscope lenses, comes in.

ZEISS has developed UVProtect Technology for all of the company’s ZEISS-branded eyeglass lenses that protects against UV rays up to 400 nm while still remaining totally clear. ZEISS’s innovative UVProtect Technology offers sunglass-level protection in clear lenses; they’re designed to absorb UV rays, creating a much-needed barrier between UV radiation and your corneas. The lenses also remain completely clear without a hint of tint — which means your regular, daily-wear glasses can provide you with total UV protection. And your eyes will be protected whether it’s a cloudy day or a bright one.

If you wear glasses, check with your optometrist to confirm exactly how protective your existing lenses are. According to ZEISS, four out of five clear lenses sold today do not fully block UV light up to 400 nm. In fact, the most common clear lens materials on the market only block wavelengths shorter than 380 nm or even 360 nm. That seemingly small gap between 360 nm and 400 nm of protection could be the difference between a fun day at the beach and an inflamed, “eyeburned” cornea, since that disparity accounts for 40 percent of total solar UV radiation that reaches our eyes. With ZEISS lenses with UVProtect, the company is working to prevent that. Find an eye doctor near you who offers ZEISS lenses with UVProtect Technology. Next time you find a pair of cute frames, check the tag to see if it reads “UV400.” If you see “total UV protection,” that may mean the lenses are only protected up to 360 or 380 nm. To get that full 400 nm protection, talk to your optometrist — and ask for ZEISS lenses in your next pair of glasses.

What about your skin?
ZEISS recognizes the need to protect your skin as well as your eyes. To help further educate consumers on this need, the company has partnered with skin-care brand MDSolarSciences. It takes adequate eye and skin protection to ensure you’re fully protected against UV rays, and together the brands offer a full-body solution.

Robert Friedman, an oncologist and dermatologist, founded MDSolarSciences with the philosophy that prevention is paramount. Friedman developed an SPF product for every occasion, from a handy, child-friendly SPF stick to a mineral tinted sunscreen that’s an Allure editor favorite. Throw one in your bag and another on your bathroom vanity to help protect you and your little ones’ skin this summer.

Together, the two brands are one happy, sun-safe family. “We are thrilled to partner with MDSolarSciences in our pursuit of educating consumers about the importance of daily UV protection for both the skin and the eyes,” said Andrew Hyncik, vice president of marketing for ZEISS Vision Care, in a statement. “Many Americans don’t realize that lenses often don’t protect up to the recommended 400 nm threshold for UV, something that sun/skin care companies have been doing for many years, and ZEISS branded lenses now offer.”

How can I ensure full-body sun protection?
We’ll be the first to admit that the statistics on sun damage are scary. But dermatologists have still given us permission to go out and enjoy the great outdoors this summer. Think of sun care as the summertime version of bundling up to go outside in the cold. A full sun-care regimen includes UV-protective glasses, head-to-toe SPF 30+, a hat, and, if you’re feeling extra, UPF-protective clothing. Start this summer off right by finding an eye doctor near you.

More on sun protection:

• How to Protect Your Skin From the Sun Like a Dermatologist This Summer
• What Is Powdered Sunscreen? Your Guide to the Trendy New Sun-Care Product
• Kylie Jenner Is Adding Sunscreen to Her Skin-Care Line