Summer UV Exposure Increases Risk to Eye Health, Experts Warn

Eye specialists explain that intense summer sunlight exposes eyes to three types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UVA (320‑400 nm) penetrates deeply and can damage the retina and macula, while UVB (286‑320 nm) causes surface burns and UVC is mostly filtered by the ozone layer. Prolonged exposure, especially through direct sunlight or reflections off sand, water, or glass, may accelerate age‑related macular degeneration and other ocular disorders. Experts recommend wearing high‑quality sunglasses that block 99‑100 % of UVA and UVB, using broad‑brimmed hats, and avoiding looking directly at the sun to reduce long‑term vision loss.