Summer in New York City can be a beautiful and exciting time-- the sun is shining, and the best outdoor summer events are going on right before our eyes. Whether it's holding weekend brunch in Chelsea on a patio or taking post-work walks around Central Park, the weather encourages people to spend as much time outdoors as possible.
But while you enjoy the outdoors and all that sun, your eyes could suffer. Just like you would protect your skin with sunscreen, your eyes need protection from UV rays too. If you don't protect your eyes, you could be creating long-lasting damage—and discomfort short-term, like symptoms from eye sunburn.
Your friends at Elite Eye Care have put together a guide on UV protection for your eyes and what to keep in mind when choosing sunglasses, with our NYC sunglasses guide, backed by eyecare specialists.
Why UV Protection is Important for Your Eyes
Just as UV rays from the sun can burn and damage your skin, it can burn and damage the soft tissues of your eyes too. Over time, excessive exposure to UV rays from the sun can cause cataracts or macular degeneration, or a temporary eye sunburn—called photokeratitis.
When you suffer from an eye burn, you may notice symptoms like redness, watering, blurry vision, or a gritty feeling. It is better to be cautious than to risk any long-lasting damage with ultraviolet rays, which is why your eyes deserve UV protection; and, in New York City, sun exposure is clearly visible with reflective surfaces, such as glass buildings and sidewalks.
The NYC Sunglasses Guide: What to Look For
Selecting the right type of sunglasses goes beyond style. In our comprehensive NYC sunglasses guide, we recommend choosing sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection. These types of eyewear offer full-spectrum protection against harmful rays. Unlike some fashion shades that might offer little in terms of actual protection.
When you look at polarized vs. UV sunglasses, it's important to know that they help with two separate issues. UV protection for your eyes protects to a degree against UV radiation; polarized sunglasses reduce glare. Glare can come from anything shiny, including NYC's urban landscape. The ideal pair of sunglasses should have protection on both fronts; polarized vs. UV sunglasses do not have to be an "either-or" decision. Wherever possible, choose sunglasses that offer both types of protection to maximize protection for your eyes.
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Top eye care tips for summer
If you're implementing summer eye-care tips, then implementing the right ones can drastically improve visual comfort and your eyes' long-term health. Wearing wide-brimmed hats is always a good idea when you are outside, and especially if you're wearing sunglasses. Also, staying hydrated helps maintain your tear film and avoid dryness. As much as possible, avoid staring directly into any bright light – although if you are staring directly into the sun that would be understandable. Be mindful of bright reflections off of buildings, bodies of water, and so forth; excessive glare can have been known to harm your vision.
If you already wear contact lenses, or have undergone eye surgery, following these summer eye care tips is even more important. There can be additional health issues for some people when exposing their eyes to the sun and UV rays directly, and the need for full protection can become the difference between wearing wraparound sunglasses or large-frame sunglasses.
Recognizing and Responding to Eye Sunburn Symptoms
If you feel discomfort after a beach day or rooftop outing, you might be suffering from eye sunburn syndrome, which results in excessive tearing and high sensitivity to light.
If you need immediate treatment, you can use lubricating eye drops, rest your eyes, and avoid any further exposure to sunlight. Although these treatments are helpful, frequent cases can lead to lasting damage. That is why proper UV protection for eyes is necessary.
Conclusion
The summer sun in NYC can be intense, and when it comes to the protection of your eyes, it cannot be underestimated. With so many surfaces that reflect the sun's rays, extended days of sun, and outdoor activities, your eyes are being bombarded with UV rays year-round!
By learning about the differences between polarized VS UV sunglasses, using our eye care tips for the summer, and making use of our trusted NYC sunglasses guide, you can greatly reduce the likelihood of experiencing that uncomfortable sunburn on your eyes and protect your long-term vision.
At Elite Eye Care, we want to help you protect your vision in all seasons. Visit our clinic and get fitted for sunglasses that are right for you under the guidance and expertise of our eyecare professionals to help you understand your options for protecting your eyes against UV. Our optometrists can show you the latest styles and options available in our NYC sunglasses guide. Don't wait until the sun has done its damage - book your summer eye care consultation today!