For all its beauty and benefits, the sun can cause some of the most severe damage to the body. Because of the heat and UV rays that it emits, the sun can cause various conditions and diseases, ranging from irritations to cancers. For more sensitive parts of the body, like the eyes, this damage can be even more dangerous as it can happen much faster than normal.
On average, ocular sun damage can occur in as little as one minute. If left unaddressed, this can trigger serious issues, which can even lead to vision loss. This includes things like cataracts, corneal sunburns, growths, and ocular melanoma. The good news is that protecting your eyes from the sun is pretty straightforward, with most methods easy to integrate into your daily routine. Moreover, many of these eye-protective methods are absolutely natural, so you don’t have to rely on medications or procedures to keep your vision clear and comfortable.
Wear sunglasses regularly
Perhaps the simplest but most effective way to safeguard your eyes from the sun is to wear sunglasses regularly. While most people consider these an accessory, given that they’re available from stylish and eco-friendly brands like Ray-Ban, they are, more importantly, key in filtering out UV damage. Using special lens coatings, sunnies can block out up to 100% of harmful rays. This means that they not only help you see more comfortably, given their tint, but they also prevent the said rays from penetrating into the delicate eyeball. Just make sure that your shades are labeled with UV400 for maximum sun safety and that you wear them whenever you’re outdoors. As it is, only 14% of people wear sunglasses when it’s overcast, but it’s important to note that UV rays can affect your body no matter the weather.
Apply sunscreen properly
Next, while you’re most likely already wearing sunscreen on your body religiously, it’s likely that you’re skipping your eye area. This is understandable, considering that most people think the eyelids are protected from the sun, being that they’re usually tucked up into the orbital bone. Additionally, lots of people purposely avoid getting sunscreen near this region for fear of irritating the sensitive skin or causing stinging in the eyes. However, because the skin here is much thinner, it’s easier for sun damage to occur. As a means to prevent this, try using a light-formula sunscreen across the eyelids and undereyes. Sun Bum, for example, is one such vegan brand that has a gel-type daily sun fluid that dries down clear and matte. As such, it’s not likely to create a heavy feeling, nor is it at risk of dripping into your eyes.
Consume a nourishing diet
Lastly, while it’s a myth that diet can make you invulnerable to sun damage, it can keep your body less susceptible to illness. Regarding sun damage in the eyes, keeping your eyes healthy with the right food and drinks can promote better ocular function and recovery. For instance, carrot juice is known as a fantastic anti-aging drink thanks to its antioxidants. That said, it’s also rich in luteolin, which is known to defend against eye-related ailments. This includes macular degeneration. Similarly, nuts and seeds are known to have significant levels of Vitamin E. This is linked with better eye wellness since it helps slow ocular aging. With these as part of your balanced daily diet, your eyes are stronger and more capable of filtering out some degree of UV while also healing from minor damage.
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