Sun exposure increases your risks for:

• Cancer. In the same way excess sun exposure can lead to a melanoma on your skin, it can also cause ocular melanoma. Cancers of the eyelid, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are also linked to UV exposure.³
• Cataracts. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to cataract formation and worsening eyesight. Those who spend time in the sun are especially prone.⁴
• Growths on the eye such as pterygium (Surfer’s Eye), can occur at very young ages (teens and 20s). Surfers, skiers, fishermen, farmers, and others who spend long hours in the sun or near rivers, oceans, and mountains are at risk.⁵
• Eye sunburn. Photokeratitis — sometimes called ultraviolet or UV keratitis — is a painful condition caused by exposure to UV rays.⁶

Eye Protection

Each time you spend time in the sun without eye protection, you increase your risk of serious disease. The following steps can help protect your long-term vision:

• Wearing sunglasses is the simplest and safest way to filter light and protect your eyes from UV rays. Select sunglasses that fit well and block light from entering around the lenses. Wraparound sunglasses are ideal for long-lasting outdoor activities.
• Choose a hat with a broad, dark brim that shades your eyes and reduces glare. A wide brimmed hat or cap will block about half of UV rays.⁷
• Babies and children are not immune to eye damage from UV radiation. Make sure they wear hats and sunglasses too.
• Prescription sunglasses can help correct your vision and provide shade so you won’t need to juggle two pairs of glasses when outdoors.
• UV-blocking contact lenses are a great option to protect against UV rays and can help keep your eyes sun-safe.

Regular eye exams are essential. An eyecare professional can detect eye diseases caused by UV light damage at an early stage.

Ameritas Vision plans include coverage for eye exams and eyewear. You can help protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays with discounts on prescription sunglasses or UV-blocking contact lenses. Learn more about how you can save on eye care.

^1,2 David Turbert,  “The Sun, UV Light and Your Eyes,” American Academy of Opthamology, aao.org, May 2024. ^3,4  Kierstan Boyd, “Eye Cancer,” American Academy of Opthamology, aao.org, June 2024.

^5,6 “Protecting your eyes from the sun’s UV light,” NIH National Eye Institute, accessed May 2025.

⁷  “ Protect Your Eyes from the Sun,” Prevent Blindness, preventblindness.org, accessed May 2025.