5 Ways UV Rays Damage Your Eyes & Vision

Baptist Eye Surgeons • May 15, 2020

UV Rays Damage Your EyesYou already knew that prolonged exposure to the sun increases your chances of sunburns and skin cancer, but were you aware that it can also negatively affect your vision? What’s more, UV rays can damage your eyes and vision year-round! Ultraviolet light is a constant threat to your eyes, regardless of the weather.

To better understand the threat, you need to:

  • Understand how ultraviolet light works
  • How UV rays can damage your eyes and vision
  • How to protect your eyes and vision from UV damage

Protecting yourself from the threat of UV rays to your eyes and vision is a year-round job. Fortunately, there are some very simple steps you can take to ensure healthy eyes and vision for years to come. Our hope is that you will be more motivated to use adequate protection once you understand the threat UV rays pose to your eyesight.

Understanding How Ultraviolet Light Works

Vision and eye safety are affected by two types of ultraviolet light:

  • UVA: low-energy radiation that can harm the macula, which is located in the deepest part of the eye. This can be harmful to one’s central vision if left unprotected. While not as powerful as UVB, it is much more prevalent.
  • UVB: affects the cornea and lens in the shallow part of the eye by damaging the tissue. It is often considered the more dangerous of the two types of ultraviolet light and is the cause of sunburns.

Natural UV-C rays are entirely absorbed by our atmosphere. However, artificial sources such as LEDs and mercury lamps used for disinfecting still pose a danger. Prolonged exposure can result in temporary damage to eyes and skin with the effects lasting for a couple of days. In the worst cases, exposure has been linked to skin cancer.

Most people are aware that UVA and UVB light pose a danger in the warmer months and especially during the summer. However, not as many are aware that they actually pose a threat all year long. Clouds offer very little protection from ultraviolet light and winter presents its own dangers to the health of your eyes and vision, which we discuss below.

How UV Rays Can Damage Your Eyes and Vision

There are a variety of ways in which UV rays can damage your eyes and vision. While this list is not exhaustive, it does cover some of the most common negative effects UV rays have on your eyes. Understanding the dangers that UV rays present can help motivate you to protect yourself every day of the year.

Photokeratitis

Photokeratitis is the inflammation of eyeball tissue and is similar to a sunburn on your skin. In fact, the condition is so similar to sunburnt skin that it’s also known as corneal sunburn . The skin-like tissue of the eyeball is extremely sensitive and can be damaged after just a few hours of UV exposure.

Photokeratitis isn’t just a summer condition. It can occur during any time of year, especially if you’re in a reflective environment. This can occur in bodies of water like lakes and oceans, sandy beaches, and snow. Take snowblindness, for example. Snow blindness occurs in high altitudes and during high ground reflection. Fresh snow can reflect up to 80% of UV rays, as can water and sand, making it extremely important to wear eye protection even if you don’t think it’s necessary.

Cataracts

Cataracts occur with varying severity as people age and are the leading cause of blindness worldwide. UVB rays amplify the deterioration of the eye’s lens, producing a clouding of the lens that results in reduced vision. Severe deterioration of the eye’s lens can eventually lead to blindness.

Pterygium & Pinguecula

Pterygium is a growth found on the conjunctiva, which is a membrane that covers the front of the eye as well as the insides of your eyelids. They’re a common cosmetic issue that may result from UV exposure. However, prolonged exposure can cause the growth to spread over the cornea and lead to loss of vision. Fortunately, they can be removed surgically.

Pinguecula occurs as a raised area inside the conjunctiva. They are described as feeling like a bump on your eyeball and are white or yellow in color. Pingueculas are most common in sandy, dusty areas and are easily treated with eye drops.

Macular Degeneration

The macula is part of the retina, which converts images and light into nerve signals which are delivered to the brain. The macula helps this process by making vision sharper and more detailed. Unfortunately, UV rays contribute to macular degeneration as we age, which contributes to the loss of central vision. The result of macular degeneration is blurry vision when looking directly at an object.

How to Protect Your Eyes & Vision from UV Damage

Despite the dangers posed by UV radiation, there are a few simple steps everyone can take to protect themselves. The most important precaution is to wear sunglasses. They must block as much UV radiation as possible as well as 75 – 90% of visible light. Wrap-around sunglasses are best for preventing UV light from getting into your eyes from the corners of your sunglasses.

Another important precaution you can take is to wear a wide-brim hat or one that at least provides shade for your eyes. This will help prevent UV radiation from getting into your eyes in the first place and make your sunglasses even more effective.

Key Takeaways

There are plenty of ways UV rays can damage your eyes and vision. Fortunately, there are also plenty of treatments. Remember that UV rays are a constant danger, regardless of the weather or season. Taking the threat seriously will keep your vision clearer for longer.

Always wear UV-protective sunglasses and a hat to help protect your eyes and vision when outside for long periods of time. They will work together to protect your eyes from both the short-term and long-term damage caused by UVA and UVB radiation.

If you think you may be experiencing eye or vision damage due to UV rays, then please schedule a consultation with an eye doctor at Baptist Eye Surgeons. We are located in Knoxville, TN, and Morristown, TN where we provide services from comprehensive eye exams to complex eye surgeries. Call us at 865-579-3920 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

The Connection Between Diabetes and Eye Health

July 29, 2026
Diabetes affects various parts of the body, including your eyes. Keeping your blood sugar under control is not just good for your health overall, but it also helps protect your eyesight. Over time, high blood sugar can irritate the tiny blood vessels in your eyes and increase your risk of serious eye problems. Knowing how diabetes and eye health are linked can help you identify issues and take measures to protect your sight. How Does Diabetes Affect Eye Health? When blood sugar stays high, it can damage the blood vessels in the retina, which is the part of your eye that senses light and helps you see. Damaged blood vessels might leak fluid, swell, or change how well the retina works. Diabetic eye problems usually develop slowly, so you might not pick up on any changes in your vision until significant damage has occurred. That’s why it’s important for people with diabetes to get regular eye exams, even if their eyesight seems fine. Common Eye Conditions Linked to Diabetes People with diabetes are more likely to have certain eye problems. Finding and treating these issues early can lower the chance of losing vision permanently. 1. Diabetic Retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy is a common eye issue that happens when high blood sugar damages the retinal blood vessels. These damaged vessels may leak fluid, which may cause blurry vision, dark spots, or changes in how you see. In advanced cases, abnormal blood vessel growth can lead to serious problems. If diabetic retinopathy worsens, new abnormal blood vessels can grow, causing serious problems, including vision loss. Getting regular eye exams can help catch these changes early, before they become severe. When fluid is retained in the macula (part of the retina which focuses on sharp central vision), this swelling can make it harder to read, recognize faces, or see fine details clearly. When detected early, treatments can help reduce swelling and protect your eyesight. 3. Cataracts People with diabetes have a higher chance of getting cataracts early. Cataracts occur when the lens in your eye becomes cloudy, which can cause blurry vision, increased sensitivity to glare, and difficulty seeing clearly. While cataracts come with age, having diabetes can make them appear sooner or progress quicker. 4. Glaucoma Diabetes can also raise your risk for glaucoma, which is a group of eye diseases that harm the optic nerve. Glaucoma usually starts without any clear symptoms, but if it is not treated, it can cause permanent vision loss. Routine regular eye exams are important for finding glaucoma early and keeping your eyes healthy Diabetes-related eye problems might not cause symptoms at first. Still, there are some warning signs you should look out for: • Blurry or distorted vision • Difficulty focusing • Dark spots, floaters, or shadows in your sight • Increased sensitivity to glare • Trouble seeing colors clearly • Sudden alterations in vision • Partial or complete loss of vision If you notice sudden vision changes, contact an eye doctor as soon as possible. The Value of Regular Eye Exams for People With Diabetes Getting a full eye exam is one of the best ways to protect your vision if you have diabetes. During the examination, your physician will study your retina, look for symptoms of diabetic eye disease, and track any changes over time. Many eye problems linked to diabetes can be treated more easily if they are found early. Regular checkups help your eye doctor give you advice that fits your own eye health and diabetes care. Protecting Your Eyes When You Have Diabetes Looking after your general health is important for keeping your eyes healthy. Here are some things you can do to protect your vision: • Keeping blood sugar levels under control • Managing blood pressure and cholesterol • Scheduling regular diabetic eye exams • Following your diabetes treatment plan • Eating a balanced diet that promotes eye health • Avoiding smoking, which increases the risk of eye complications Prioritizing Your Vision and Eye Health Diabetes and eye health are closely linked, but you can lower your risk of serious vision problems by taking action early. Getting regular eye exams, making healthy choices, and managing your diabetes all help protect your eyesight. If you have diabetes, seeing your eye doctor regularly can help catch changes early and keep your vision clear for the future. Your eyes are a key part of your health, so make caring for them a priority at every age. 

Night Vision Problems: Causes and When to See an Eye Doctor

June 30, 2026
Night vision problems can make everyday activities like driving at dusk, walking in poorly lit places, or adjusting to indoor lighting harder and sometimes unsafe. Trouble seeing in low light, called nyctalopia, is not a disease itself but a sign that something else may be affecting your eyes. Learning what causes night vision problems and when to get help is important for keeping your vision healthy. What Are Night Vision Problems? Night vision problems mean it is hard to see clearly in low light or darkness. Some people notice their eyes take longer to adjust when going from bright to dim places. Others may have trouble with glare from headlights, seeing less contrast, or things just looking dimmer at night. Mild changes in night vision can happen as you get older, but if your symptoms keep getting worse or do not go away, you should pay attention to them. Common Causes of Night Vision Difficulties There are several potential causes of night vision problems. Night vision problems can have many causes, from getting older to certain eye conditions, such as lens problems, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 1. Cataracts Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 2. Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A is important for keeping your retina healthy. If you do not get enough vitamin A, your eyes may have trouble adjusting to darkness, which can lead to night blindness. 3. Glaucoma Some types of glaucoma can affect your side vision and make it harder to see differences between light and dark. As the optic nerve gets damaged, seeing in low light can become more difficult. 4. Retinitis Pigmentosa This inherited eye condition slowly affects your ability to see at night and to the sides. Early signs often include trouble seeing in the dark. 5. Diabetes-Related Eye Disease Diabetic retinopathy can harm the blood vessels in your retina, which may cause blurry vision and make it harder to see at night. 6. Aging and Pupil Changes As people get older, their pupils do not react to light changes as quickly, and the retina becomes less sensitive. This naturally makes night vision worse over time. Symptoms to Watch For Night vision problems often develop slowly. Some common signs are: Difficulty seeing in low light or darkness Trouble driving at night due to glare from headlights Longer adjustment time when moving between light and dark environments Reduced contrast or clarity in dim settings Frequent squinting or eye strain in low light If these symptoms start to affect your daily life, it is a good idea to get a full eye check-up. When to See an Eye Doctor You should see an eye doctor if you notice new night vision problems, if they are getting worse, or if you have other changes in your vision. The doctor can run tests to find out what is causing the problem and suggest the right treatment. A full eye exam might include checking your retina, testing your field of vision, and taking images to look at your eye health. Finding problems early is very important for conditions like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and retinal disorders, because early treatment can help protect your vision. Protecting Your Night Vision Not all causes of night vision loss can be prevented, but taking care of your eyes can lower your risk and help you see better. Some helpful steps are: Scheduling regular eye exams Handling chronic health conditions like diabetes Eating a diet rich in vitamin A and antioxidants Wearing proper corrective lenses if prescribed Avoiding driving with untreated vision changes Prioritizing Your Eye Health Night vision problems can be an early sign of eye disease. Since many eye problems develop slowly, having regular eye exams is one of the best ways to catch changes early and keep your vision healthy for the long term. If you have trouble seeing at night or notice any changes in your vision, making an appointment for an eye exam can help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear in all types of light.
Understanding Eye Pressure: What It Means for Glaucoma Risk

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