Why I Talk to My Patients About Sun Protection at Every Age

TL;DR: Ultraviolet (UV) light is one of the few eye health risks we can almost completely control. Daily sun protection — from childhood through retirement — lowers the lifetime risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, pterygium, eyelid skin cancers, and short‑term injuries like snow blindness. At every comprehensive eye exam, I talk to patients about polarized, UV400 sunglasses, hats, and smart habits for screens, snow, water, and driving.

Why sun protection comes up at every visit

Hi, I am Dr. Roxanna Gangi, an optometrist serving Toronto and York Region. One of the questions I ask almost every patient — toddlers, teenagers, busy parents, and seniors — is some version of: "Do you wear sunglasses regularly?" The answer is often "Only in summer," or "Only when it is really bright." That is exactly why I bring it up.

UV exposure is cumulative. The eye does not bounce back from years of unprotected sunlight the same way skin does not bounce back from years of unprotected tanning. The good news is that small, consistent habits — started at any age — meaningfully lower long‑term risk.

What UV actually does to the eye

Sunlight contains UVA and UVB radiation. Both reach the surface of the eye, and over time they contribute to damage in several different structures:

• Eyelid skin — thin, delicate, and a common site for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.
• Cornea and conjunctiva — vulnerable to short‑term burns (photokeratitis, sometimes called snow blindness) and long‑term growths like pterygium and pinguecula.
• Lens of the eye — UV exposure is a well‑documented risk factor for earlier and faster cataract formation.
• Retina and macula — chronic blue‑violet and UV exposure is associated with increased risk of age‑related macular degeneration.

These are not theoretical worries. They show up in chairs in my office every week, which is why we cover them under common eye conditions for every age group.

Sun protection by life stage

The conversation changes a little depending on age, but the principle stays the same: protect the eyes, every day, even when it is cloudy.

What to look for in sunglasses

Price does not equal protection. A ten‑dollar pair labelled "100% UV400" can be better than a designer pair without proper certification. When you shop, look for:

• UV400 or "blocks 100% of UVA and UVB" — this is the most important label.
• Polarized lenses for driving, water, and snow — they cut glare from horizontal surfaces.
• Wraparound or large frames to reduce light coming in from the sides.
• Lens category 2 or 3 for everyday sunny conditions; category 4 only for very bright environments like glaciers (not for driving).

Dark lenses without UV protection are actually worse than no sunglasses, because they cause the pupil to dilate and let in more UV. Always check the label.

Winter, snow, and water — the surprise UV seasons

Patients are often surprised when I bring up sunglasses in February. Snow reflects up to 80% of UV light, water around 10%, and sand close to 25%. That reflected light hits the eye from below, which is exactly the angle a hat brim cannot block. Skiing, snowboarding, skating outdoors, ice fishing, and even shovelling on a bright morning are all situations where I recommend wraparound polarized lenses. I cover this in more detail in winter UV protection: why sunglasses matter in the snow.

Snow blindness in plain language

Photokeratitis, also called snow blindness, is essentially a sunburn on the cornea. Symptoms usually appear several hours after exposure and can include:

• Gritty, painful eyes that feel full of sand
• Tearing and severe light sensitivity
• Blurred vision and headache
• Red, swollen eyelids

It typically heals on its own within 24 to 72 hours, but it is painful, and it is a reminder of how vulnerable the front of the eye is to UV. If symptoms are severe, do not improve, or only affect one eye, please book an urgent visit rather than waiting it out.

The long game: cataracts and macular degeneration

The slower, quieter damage from UV is what concerns me most over a lifetime. Studies consistently link UV exposure to earlier cataract formation, particularly cortical cataracts, and to increased risk of age‑related macular degeneration. These conditions develop over decades, which is why I would rather have the sunglasses conversation with a 25‑year‑old than only with a 65‑year‑old. The earlier the habit starts, the more eye health it preserves.

Sunglasses are part of the eye exam, not separate from it

When a patient comes in for a comprehensive eye exam, we are not only checking the prescription. We are looking at the lens for early cataract changes, the macula for pigment changes, the eyelids for sun‑related skin lesions, and the conjunctiva for pterygium and pinguecula. UV history is part of that picture, and it changes what we recommend going forward — clip‑ons, prescription sunglasses, photochromic lenses, or a separate dedicated pair.

Simple habits I ask every patient to try

• Keep one pair of UV400 sunglasses in the car and one near the front door.
• Wear sunglasses on cloudy days — up to 80% of UV passes through clouds.
• Add a wide‑brim hat for hours outdoors; it cuts UV reaching the eyes by roughly 50% on top of sunglasses.
• Replace scratched lenses; deep scratches scatter light and can cause glare and eye strain.
• Book an eye exam at least every two years, or yearly if you are over 65, diabetic, or have a family history of eye disease.

When to book a visit

Book sooner rather than later if you notice persistent glare, halos around lights, new floaters, a growth on the white of the eye, or a spot on an eyelid that bleeds or will not heal. Many UV‑related changes are easier to manage when they are caught early, and a quick conversation in the exam chair is often enough to put together a plan that fits your lifestyle.

If you are due for an eye exam, or if you have never had a serious conversation about UV protection, I would be glad to walk through it with you in person.