June 29, 2017 | Chris DeFrancesco '94 (CLAS) - UConn Health

Summer Sun Not Easy on the Eyes

Summer is here and with that come some reminders about protecting ourselves from sun exposure and damage, particularly to the eyes and face.

With summer come reminders about protecting ourselves from sun exposure, particularly to the eyes and face. (Getty Images)

Summer is here and with that come some reminders about protecting ourselves from sun exposure and damage due to ultraviolet rays, particularly to the eyes and face.

The area around the eyes has the thinnest skin on the body, and it’s often where sun damage first shows itself, in the form of elasticity loss, brown spots, fine lines, discoloration, and in extreme cases, skin cancer.

Unfortunately, in many cases, this damage is the result of years of exposure to the sun earlier in life and cannot be reversed. The good news is, several cosmetic treatments are available.

Dr. Madina Falcone, UConn Health ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon (Photo by Janine Gelineau)

“There are multiple issues with prolonged sun exposure,” says Dr. Madina Falcone, UConn Health ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon. “I see patients present with wrinkles, growths on the eyelid skin such as seborrheic keratosis, and of course skin cancer. The most common skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma, however sun exposure also increases the risk of squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.”

As for the eyes themselves, a combination of sunglasses and broad-brimmed hats is the best way to protect them. Sunglasses labeled “100% UV protection,” which block both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays work best. Oversized or wraparound styles offer more coverage.

“UV exposure is theorized to play a role in cataract formation, it may contribute to age-related macular degeneration (AMD),” Falcone says. “Ninety-nine percent of the UV rays are absorbed by the anterior structures of the eye, so the retina is actually quite well protected. There are studies currently looking into the UV-B rays and their impact on the retina and AMD. UV exposure is also linked with formation of pterygium (overgrowth and solar elastosis of the conjunctiva) as well as photokeratitis (inflammation of the cornea).”

And the sun doesn’t have to be burning bright on a clear day to be harmful.

“The UV rays penetrate the clouds easily, so sun protection is advisable throughout the year,” Falcone says. “Blurred vision and ‘sandy feeling’ eyes could be an indication of dryness that would be associated with photokeratitis.”

In addition to wearing sunglasses and broad-brimmed hats, Falcone recommends using sunblock on the face and making sure to have routine eye exams.

More information about eye care at UConn Health is available at health.uconn.edu/eye-care.