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.