The first day of spring is officially a month away! The days will be longer and the sun will shine brighter which means that we must take special care when ensuring the safety of our eyes. Here are 5 ways you can protect your vision from harmful UV rays.

Wear UV Protection Sunglasses

Wearing sunglasses is as stylish as it is functional, but it’s important to look for the “UV protection” label. UV rays can penetrate the clouds, so it’s important to wear sunglasses even on cloudy days. Polarized sun lenses can increase contrast and comfort to sunglasses.

Don’t Stare at The Sun

The sun may be lovely, but staring directly at it can burn holes in your retina, the light-sensitive layer of cells in the back of the eye needed for central vision. This condition is called solar retinopathy and can cause irreversible damage.

Consider a Hat

In addition to sunglasses, wearing a hat has been shown to significantly cut exposure to harmful rays. A hat protects your eyes from more angles than sunglasses can.

Double Check Your Medication

One in three adults uses medication that could make the eyes more vulnerable to UV ray damage, according to a sun safety survey by the Academy of Ophthalmology. These medications include certain antibiotics, birth control, and psoriasis treatments to name a few. If your prescription cause photosensitivity, ensure that you’re protecting your skin with sunscreen and spending time in shaded areas.

Consider Car Window Tint

Most side car windows block only 71% of UV rays, compared to 96% in the windshield. You can protect your eyes from harmful rays while driving by wearing sunglasses, or you could have your windows professionally tinted for added protection.

CALL THE CATONSVILLE EYE GROUP TODAY!

Here at the Catonsville Eye Group, providing the best patient care is out #1 priority. The professionalism of our doctors coupled with our capable and caring staff, state of the art technology, and extensive frame and lens options are what have made Catonsville Eye Group the first choice for families in our community.  We strive to provide the best possible professional care at fair and reasonable prices to our patients in the most courteous way possible!

If you would like to schedule an appointment, order contact lenses, or ask questions about our services at Catonsville Eye Group, please call our office at (410) 747-1221 or email us by clicking this link. We will respond to your request within 24 hours. You can also schedule an appointment online! You can access our web scheduler through our website or Facebook page.

We’re located at the heart of the Music City at 611 Frederick Rd., Suite 101. Drop on by, or schedule an appointment today. We’re looking forward to seeing you!