How the Sun Can Increase Your Risk for Eye Problems
Your eyes are as vulnerable to UV rays as your skin. Do this to protect them.
Most people know the sun can damage their skin, but many don't think twice about the fact that the same ultraviolet (UV) rays that can cause sunburn may also harm your eyes, increasing the risk of developing eye problems over time.
The good news is that protecting your eyes from the sun is easy to do and can help keep them healthier as you age. Here are answers to common questions about how exposure to UV rays affects your eyes and what you can do to lower your risk.
How does the sun damage your eyes?
UV rays from the sun can damage different parts of the eye. Some damage happens quickly, while other problems develop slowly over many years.
Too much UV exposure has been linked to conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, growths on the eye and even some eye cancers. Bright sunlight can also temporarily burn the surface of the eye, much like a sunburn on your skin. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can reach your eyes so precautions should be taken to protect them.
Who is most at risk of sun-related eye problems?
Anyone can develop eye issues due to repeated sun exposure, but some people may be more vulnerable.
You may have a higher risk if you:
- Spend a lot of time outdoors
- Work outside
- Live in sunny climates
- Spend time near water or snow
- Have light-colored eyes
- Have had eye surgery
- Take medications that increase light sensitivity
What eye problems are linked to sun exposure?
Several eye conditions are more likely to develop if your eyes are often exposed to UV rays without protection, including:
- Cataracts: These happen when the clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy. This can make vision blurry, dull or harder to see at night. Cataracts are very common as people get older, but UV exposure may raise your risk or make them develop sooner.
- Macular degeneration: This condition affects the part of the eye responsible for sharp central vision. Over time, it can make activities like reading or driving harder. While age is the biggest risk factor, research suggests sunlight may also play a role.
- Pterygium: This is a growth that can form on the white part of the eye. It's more common in people who spend a lot of time outdoors. In some cases, it may affect vision and need treatment.
- Photokeratitis: This is sometimes called "sunburn of the eye." It can happen after intense UV exposure, especially around water or snow. Symptoms include pain, redness, blurry vision, watering eyes and feeling like something is stuck in your eye.
How can you protect your eyes from the sun?
These habits can help keep your eyes healthier:
- Wear sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays
- Choose wraparound styles when possible
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat outdoors
- Avoid staring directly at the sun
- Be extra careful around water, sand and snow because they reflect UV rays
- Wear sunglasses even on cloudy days
- Encourage children to wear hats and sunglasses (their eyes are more sensitive to the sun than adults)
Regular eye exams are also important because many eye problems don't cause symptoms early on, but an eye doctor may be able to diagnose them at an early stage, when most conditions are easier to treat.
Speak with a Specialist
When you choose Guthrie Specialty Eye Care, you have access to the area’s largest team of eye care experts, including certified optometrists and ophthalmologists trained to treat cataracts, glaucoma, corneal conditions, retinal conditions, and more.
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Date Last Reviewed: May 20, 2026
Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor
Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD
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