UV Safety Month 2020: Fun in the Sun While Protecting Your Vision

Baptist Eye Surgeons • July 10, 2020

Everyone here at Baptist Eye Surgeons wants you to have the best summer possible. Whether it’s grilling, going on vacation, or simply spending as much time outside as possible, we want you to be making smart choices about your vision while having fun in the sun. 

That’s why we are so passionate about UV Safety Month. To have the best summer ever, you need to understand how easy preventing UV damage to your eyes is, how to choose the best sunglasses, and know the dangerous effects of UV radiation.  

We will take a look at:

  • Why we observe UV Safety Month
  • Choosing the right UV protection for your eyes
  • The dangers of UV radiation

UV Safety month is a great way to educate yourself about the dangers of UV radiation while safely soaking up the sun. A little protection goes a long way in ensuring healthy eyes and vision for many summers to come!

Why We Observe UV Safety Month

UV exposure is an important part of being healthy. For instance, regular exposure to UV rays will help you sleep better , which is especially useful as we age and are more susceptible to insomnia. This is thanks to our eyes containing light-sensitive cells that help regulate our natural sleep cycle. They basically act as our own biological alarm clock.

Another important role UV exposure plays is in preventing nearsightedness in children. Getting your kids outside is a wonderful way to protect their vision, get them out from in front of electronic screens, as well as teach them about eye health. None of these benefits of UV radiation even touch on how our planet could not support life without UV radiation.

But chances are that’s not what you hear when people are talking about UV radiation, and for good reason. UV rays are directly related to certain types of cancer, vision loss, and premature aging. UV rays don’t have to come from the sun to cause damage, either. Artificial UV radiation poses an equal if not greater due to people being less concerned about it. 

Fortunately, avoiding UV damage to your vision is relatively easy to do. Like sunblock for your skin, wearing the right eye protection early and often is the best way to protect your eyes and vision from the sun’s harmful rays. Not only will a quality pair of sunglasses make it easier to be outside in the summer, but they will protect your eyes and vision all year long!   

Choosing the Right UV Protection for Your Eyes

When it comes to protecting your vision from the sun’s rays, nothing works better than a pair of UV protection safety glasses . However, not all sunglasses are created equal. Some sunglasses offer genuine UV protection while others are nothing more than fashion accessories. Keep reading to learn how to choose the best sunglasses that will give you the best UV protection.

UV Absorption

Many people think that polarized lenses and UV absorption are the same, but that is not the case. Polarized lenses are designed to minimize reflected glare. Unfortunately, they don’t offer much in the way of UV absorption. For maximum UV protection, choose sunglasses labeled as having 99% – 100% UV protection, or that say “up to 400nm,” which is 100% absorption.

Frame Fit

The fit of your frames is extremely important for UV protection. Poorly fitting frames can allow the sun’s rays to reach your eyes regardless of how much UV absorption they offer. Choose sunglasses that:

  • Fit closely against your face
  • Don’t touch your eyelashes
  • Are even with your brow

Wrap-around style sunglasses are your best bet since they protect your eyes at every angle. Not only do they offer maximum UV protection, but they help protect your eyes from allergens like pollen, as well!

Lens Durability

Sunglass lenses can be made from materials including plastic, polycarbonate plastic, and shatterproof glass. You’ll most likely be wearing them outside, so we recommend plastic lenses over regular glass, which are much more fragile. 

Polycarbonate plastic is much more durable if you’re physically active, but they also scratch easily. Opt for a pair with a scratch-resistant coating if you choose this option.

Lens Quality

You may not think about the quality of your lenses often, but this can be a major mistake since low-quality lenses can impede your vision. To test lens quality:

  1. Look at a rectangular object such as a floor tile
  2. Cover one eye and hold the glasses away from your face at a comfortable distance
  3. Move the glasses horizontally and vertically

Pay special attention to the lines of the object you are looking at. If the lines stay straight then they are a quality pair of lenses. If they become squiggly or deformed then find another pair.

Finding the perfect pair of sunglasses can be time-consuming. On the bright side, taking the extra time looking for these features will guarantee a quality pair of sunglasses that will keep your eyes safe and healthy.

The Dangers of UV Radiation

The dangers of UV radiation make sun safety extremely important. The sun can damage your eyes in multiple ways, including general discomfort, eye growths, and even eye cancer. Many people don’t take these threats seriously or are simply unaware of them since they don’t experience symptoms immediately. That’s why it’s essential to develop good eye habits early.

Cataracts

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide. They result in a clouding of your eye’s lens which reduces your vision. While cataracts occur with varying severity depending on the individual, their effects can be amplified by UV radiation. This can lead to developing cataracts sooner or even experiencing severe vision loss much earlier than normal.

Photokeratitis

Photokeratitis, also known as corneal sunburn , occurs when the tissue on your eye has become inflamed. Eye tissue is extremely sensitive and it doesn’t take long for UV radiation to damage it. It’s important to understand that photokeratitis can happen at any time of year. Those who spend a lot of time near reflective surfaces like snow and bodies of water are especially at risk.

Macular Degeneration

Located on the retina , the macula helps deliver nerve signals to the brain in order to produce the images we see. The macula is essential to this process since it makes our vision more clear and detailed. Like cataracts, UV radiation harms the macula by speeding up the degenerative process. The end result is blurred vision when looking directly at an object.

Pterygium & Pinguecula

Pterygium is a growth on the eye that is the result of prolonged UV exposure. They occur on the conjunctiva which lays over the front of your eyes and inside of your eyelids. While usually a cosmetic problem, a pterygium can stretch out and over the cornea, which can result in vision loss. 

Like pterygium, a pinguecula is a growth affecting the conjunctiva of your eye. Unlike a pterygium, a pinguecula is a raised area inside the conjunctiva. They’re often described as a bump on the eyeball and tend to be yellow or white in color. Pingueculas are most common in areas with lots of dust and sand. Luckily, they are easily treated with eye drops.

This list is not an exhaustive one. However, it does show how natural and artificial UV radiation can damage your eyes and vision over time. Spending time outside having fun in the sun is still an important part of your overall health. That’s why we are so passionate about UV Safety Month 2020. By understanding these sun safety facts, you stand a greater chance of having many years of healthy vision to come while enjoying time outside!

Final Thoughts

UV Safety Month is all about balancing the fun of summer with UV safety. While it has its benefits, UV rays are also hazardous to your eyes and vision. The best thing you can do is buy a quality pair of sunglasses with UV absorption, frames that fit, with high-quality, durable lenses. They are your best defense against the effects of damaging UV rays while enjoying your summer. 

Baptist Eye Surgeons is an ophthalmological practice in Knoxville, TN, and Morristown, TN. Visit our website to meet our doctors and learn more about our specialties, or give us a call at 865-579-3920 for more information or to schedule an appointment .

Dry Eye & Allergies: How to Tell the Two Apart

October 29, 2026
Dry, itchy or watery eyes can make simple day to day activities quite uncomfortable, particularly if the symptoms are affecting your ability to read, work or enjoy time outside. The two most common causes of eye discomfort are dry eye disease and eye allergies. They can present in a very similar way so it's important to be able to differentiate between the two in order to know when you need to see an eye care professional. An eye examination at Baptist Eye Surgeons will help to establish the cause of your symptoms and will allow us to recommend the most appropriate treatment. What is the difference between dry eye and eye allergies? Dry eye disease is essentially the condition where your eyes either aren't producing enough tears or the tears produced are evaporating too quickly to adequately lubricate the surface of the eye. The result is typically irritation, redness, a gritty feeling and sometimes quite the opposite of what you'd expect in the form of excessive tearing. Eye allergies (allergic conjunctivitis) are basically your immune system reacting to an allergen (pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander etc). The result of that reaction is the release of histamine and other mediators which can lead to itching, redness and swelling. As both conditions may result in red, watery and uncomfortable eyes, it's important to be able to recognize the specific symptoms in order to get to the root of the problem and find relief. Dry Eye vs. Allergies: Common Symptoms to Watch For Although there is some overlap between the two conditions there are certain symptoms which may help you to tell them apart. 1. Itchy Eyes vs. Burning and Grittiness One of the most obvious differences is the kind of discomfort you're suffering. Eye allergies are very much associated with intense itching (to the point where you're constantly itching the eyes) and with swelling of the eyelids. Dry eye disease is more likely to cause a burning, stinging sensation (as if something is in your eye) or a gritty feeling. Your eyes will often feel tired and/or irritated, particularly after reading, working at a computer or being in an air conditioned environment. 2. Watery Eyes and Excessive Tearing Both dry eye and allergies can lead to watery eyes, just that the mechanism is different in each case. With dry eye disease, irritation can trigger a reflex which results in an overproduction of watery tears. These tears may well be in fact more of a problem than a solution as they won't provide the sustained lubrication that your eyes require. With allergies you often get watery eyes along with itching, redness and swelling of the eyelids. These can become quite apparent after exposure to pollen, dust and so on. 3. Seasonal Symptoms and Environmental Triggers The timing of your symptoms can be of some use in terms of giving you a clue. Eye allergies are a common problem and tend to be worse at certain times of year (particularly when pollen counts are high). They can also occur year-round if you're exposed to indoor allergens such as dust mites and pet dander. Dry eye symptoms can occur all year round and can be made worse in dry, windy or air conditioned environments. Lengthy screen time, ageing, certain medications and some medical conditions may all contribute to dry eye disease. 4. How Symptoms Affect Both Eyes Allergic conjunctivitis will typically affect both eyes and is very often associated with quite marked itching. Dry eye can also affect both eyes, though the symptoms may be quite different in the two eyes. Neither pattern alone is definitive for determining the cause of eye irritation. How Are Dry Eye and Eye Allergies Diagnosed? An eye exam enables your eye care professional to assess your symptoms, take your medical history and look for any signs of irritation or inflammation. Depending on your symptoms, the testing may look at tear production, tear quality, tear evaporation and the surface of the eye. Your eye care professional may also look at environmental triggers and other conditions which may be playing a part in your symptoms. Accurate diagnosis is important as dry eye and allergies can require different treatments and in some cases both can be present at the same time. How can you find relief from eye irritation? Treatment is dependent on the etiology of your symptoms. Artificial tears may be of some help in the relief of dry eye discomfort, allergy medication or antihistamine eye drops may be of benefit in the management of allergic symptoms. Your eye care professional will be in a position to advise you on the most appropriate options for you. Don't rub your eyes and consider minimizing exposure to any known irritants/allergens. If the symptoms continue, get worse or keep coming back then you should have an eye exam rather than just carrying on treating them without knowing the actual cause. Get prompt medical attention for severe eye pain, sudden change in vision, intense light sensitivity or severe redness. Protecting Your Eye Health Knowing the difference between dry eye and allergies can go a long way to helping you understand your symptoms and get to the root of the problem so that you can take appropriate steps to alleviate them. The issue is that the two conditions can present with such similar symptoms that a proper assessment by a professional is often the only way to work out which one you actually have. If you are experiencing persistent itching, burning, redness, or watery eyes, schedule an appointment with Baptist Eye Surgeons. An eye care professional can help identify the source of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan to support your comfort and long-term eye health. 

What to Expect During Your First Eye Exam: A Step-by-Step Guide

September 22, 2026
A thorough eye exam is an important part of keeping your vision healthy and protecting your eyes. If you are arranging for your first eye examination as an adult, if you are taking a child in for an evaluation, or if you have noticed any changes in your vision, knowing what to expect can help make the experience more comfortable. The eye exams carried out at Baptist Eye Surgeons not only check your vision but also look at your general eye health and spot any possible problems that might call for further investigation. What is the Importance of Eye Examinations? An eye examination does not merely enable one to find out if glasses or contact lenses are required. It lets an eye care professional assess how well your eyes are working and spot the signs of common eye conditions.  Some eye conditions can progress slowly without symptoms. Regular eye checkups can help detect changes earlier and make sure you receive appropriate treatment when needed. Step by step: The Process Involved in Having an Eye Examination Even though the different appointments may vary according to your particular needs, a typical full eye examination will involve a number of significant steps. 1. An Examination of Your Medical & Eye History Your appointment may start with questions about your vision, medical history, medications, any previous eye conditions, and your family history of eye disease. Be sure to report any changes in your vision, eye discomfort, headaches, or other concerns you have noticed. Your eye care professional may also ask about the glasses or contact lenses you currently use and how well they work for you. 2. Checking Your Vision A well-known part of an eye examination is the visual acuity test. You might be asked to read some letters or symbols from a chart at a set distance. This lets doctors assess how clearly you can see and decide whether corrective lenses would help. Further testing could assess your ability to see up close and the way well your eyes work together. 3. The Measurement of Eye Health & Function Your eye care professional might carry out a number of tests in order to assess the health and functioning of your eyes. The tests involved may vary depending on your age, symptoms, and risk factors and could include measuring eye pressure, examining eye movement and coordination, and looking at the structures at the front and back of the eye. They can help spot possible signs of eye disorders. 4. Discussing Your Results Your ophthalmologist will review the results with you after the examination. If your vision has changed, they may suggest new prescription lenses. If they spot an eye condition or another issue, they could recommend further testing, further monitoring, or treatment. It is also a good chance to ask questions regarding your eye health and the recommended follow-up care. What Should You do to Get Ready for your First Eye Examination? Having an eye examination usually involves nothing complicated. It is a good idea to take with you your present glasses or contact lens details and to be ready to give a list of any medications as well as any applicable medical or family history. Additionally, it might be helpful to remember any vision changes or symptoms you have had. Dilation may occur during the examination if certain tests are performed. After dilation has been advised, your vision might be temporarily blurred or more sensitive to light. Supporting Healthy Vision The initial eye examination is a valuable chance to determine a baseline for your eye health and understand your specific vision needs. Regular eye exams help monitor changes over time and support early detection of possible eye conditions. Plan a visit with an eye care professional if you have discovered any changes in your vision or if you're due for a check-up.

Children’s Vision Milestones: What Parents Should Watch For

August 28, 2026
Healthy vision is essential for a child's development, learning, and daily activities. From recognizing faces in infancy to reading, participating in sports, and navigating school, children depend on their eyesight to interpret and relate to their environment. Knowing typical vision milestones helps parents spot possible issues and seek appropriate care when needed. How Does Vision Develop in Children? Vision develops rapidly during the first years of life. Newborns perceive light, shapes, and nearby objects, although their vision remains immature. As children mature, their capacity to focus, track moving objects, recognize details, and coordinate both eyes improves progressively. Due to the gradual nature of visual development, regular eye examinations are essential. Certain childhood vision problems may not be readily apparent, especially when one eye is stronger than the other. Although each child develops at an individual pace, several general vision milestones may guide parental observation. 1. Infants: Birth to 12 Months Within the first year, infants typically develop the ability to focus on faces and objects, visually track moving items, and reach for objects they observe. Caregivers may also observe infants responding to known faces and visually exploring their environment. If an infant does not track objects, exhibits eyes that frequently cross or wander, or fails to respond visually to people or objects, these concerns should be discussed with a pediatrician or eye care professional. 2. Toddlers: Ages 1 to 3 As children become more active, their visual skills continue to develop. Toddlers rely on vision to walk, climb, manipulate small objects, and interact with toys. Over time, they typically improve in identifying familiar people and objects and in coordinating eye and hand movements. Frequent eye rubbing, squinting, sitting close to screens, or difficulty seeing objects could indicate the need for an eye exam. 3. Preschool and School-Age Children By preschool and early elementary school, children utilize vision for detailed activities including coloring, drawing, letter recognition, reading, and participating in games. Effective eye coordination and focusing abilities support learning and classroom performance. Children may not always realize their vision differs from other children’s, so parents should watch for signs such as headaches, avoiding reading, losing their place while reading, holding books unusually close, or struggling to see the board. Signs of Possible Vision Problems Caregivers should monitor for changes in a child's vision or behavior. Potential warning signs include: Frequent squinting or eye rubbing Eyes that cross, wander, or do not move together Complaints of blurry or double vision Frequent headaches Difficulty reading or concentrating Sitting very close to a television or screen Tilting or turning the head to see Covering or closing one eye Difficulty recognizing objects or seeing at a distance Avoiding activities that require close or distance vision If you notice these signs, speak with a pediatrician or eye care professional. The Importance of Children’s Eye Exams Regular eye examinations can identify vision problems before they interfere with learning and development. Eye care professionals assess visual acuity, binocular coordination, and common childhood eye conditions. Early detection matters because some vision problems are easier to address when identified in childhood. Parents must follow their child’s healthcare provider's recommendations for vision screenings and comprehensive eye exams. Helping Protect Your Child’s Vision Caregivers can promote healthy vision by encouraging beneficial habits. These include spending time outdoors, taking regular screen breaks, using appropriate protective eyewear during activities, maintaining a balanced diet, and attending recommended pediatric and eye care appointments. Supporting Healthy Vision at Every Age Knowing children's vision milestones helps caregivers distinguish typical development and spot possible issues early. Throughout infancy and the school years, monitoring how a child sees, focuses, and interacts with their environment is vital for supporting healthy development.  If you notice concerns about a child's eyesight or alterations in vision, consult a healthcare provider or eye care professional. Early attention to vision supports learning, development, confidence, and overall quality of life.