UV protection for the eyes? Much more important than most people realize.

Every morning, I make sure to apply my SPF 50+ sunscreen to my face. And when we go to the outdoor pool, a tube of sunscreen always ends up in my bag, of course. After all, we all know that too much UV radiation damages the skin.

Nevertheless, in my practice I notice time and again that one important aspect of sun protection is often overlooked: our eyes.

Yet our eyes are exposed to UV radiation every day—and not just during summer vacations at the beach. Even when we’re out for a walk, riding a bike, or even on cloudy days, UV radiation reaches our eyes.

The surface of the eye is particularly sensitive. After intense sun exposure, a condition known as “snow blindness” can occur—a painful burn of the cornea. Skiers have long been familiar with this phenomenon. But it can also occur near water or in the mountains, since snow, sand, and water reflect UV light particularly strongly. Similar to sunburn on the skin, symptoms often don’t appear until later, frequently in the evening after a long day in the sun.

Far more important, however, are the long-term consequences. Scientific studies show that UV radiation can increase the risk of various eye diseases. These include certain forms of cataracts, changes to the conjunctiva (“pterygium”), and skin cancer on the eyelids. Potential effects on the retina are also being discussed in scientific circles.

I find one comparison particularly interesting: No one today would voluntarily lie in the midday sun for hours without sunscreen. When it comes to their eyes, however, many people do exactly that—often for their entire lives and without being aware of the consequences.

Yet prevention is surprisingly simple.

A good pair of sunglasses with UV-400 protection filters out nearly all harmful UV radiation. What matters less is the tint of the lenses than the actual UV protection. Even dark lenses without sufficient UV filters can be problematic because the pupil dilates, allowing even more UV radiation to enter the eye.

Children’s eyes, by the way, deserve special attention. Their eyes are still significantly more permeable to UV radiation than those of adults. That’s why children benefit from consistent sun protection at a very early age.

My conclusion: I now automatically think to apply sunscreen every morning. Sunglasses should be just as much a part of that routine. After all, our eyes are with us for a lifetime—and good UV protection is one of the simplest ways to keep them healthy in the long run.