By Susan Taplinger
Read Time: 3 mins.
UV exposure has a way of slipping past our defenses. It doesn’t take a heatwave or bright sunshine — ultraviolet rays are still in play, even on cloudy days or through glass. Most people think of sunburn when they think of UV, but the damage runs deeper, quietly affecting the eyes as well as the skin.
That’s why UV Safety Awareness Month, observed each July, continues to matter. It’s a reminder to take a closer look at where exposure hides — and where protection often falls short.
DynaSafety Sunscreen features an SPF-30 formula for effective protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Touching on Skin
The skin is the body’s frontline against sunlight, and it does its job well — but it still needs protection from UV radiation. UV rays come in two primary forms:
- UVA, which penetrates deeper and contributes to premature aging
- UVB, which causes sunburn and increases skin cancer risk
Sunscreen helps reduce this damage, but only when applied effectively and often.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, that means:
- SPF 30 or higher
- Broad-spectrum formulas (blocking both UVA and UVB)
- Reapplication every 2 hours, or after swimming or sweating
But as diligent as people are with their SPF habits, there’s one place sunscreen can’t reach — and it might just be the most overlooked of all.
Out of Sight: The Hidden Impact on Eyes
The eyes take in a steady diet of ultraviolet radiation every day. The cornea and lens do their best to absorb incoming rays, but unlike skin, they don’t peel or tan. They simply accumulate damage over time.
Ongoing UV exposure is linked to:
- Cataracts (clouding of the lens)
- Macular degeneration (central vision loss)
- Pterygium (a growth on the white of the eye)
- Photokeratitis (a painful sunburn of the cornea)
Children are especially at risk, both because their eyes are still developing and because they’re less likely to use consistent protection.
Where the Light Gets In
One of UV’s most insidious qualities is its ability to sneak in when we least expect it. Unlike visible light, it doesn’t need to feel warm or bright. In fact, UVA rays can pass through clouds and glass, making everyday activities a source of exposure:
- Morning drives in the car
- Indoor seating near a window
- Outdoor time on overcast days
Reflective surfaces — such as water, snow, or pavement — can intensify the effect by bouncing UV directly into the eyes. And some medications, including common antibiotics and diuretics, may increase UV sensitivity without obvious warning.
Better Tools, Better Habits
Just as sunscreen has become a daily staple, UV-blocking eyewear deserves the same level of routine consideration.
Look for sunglasses labeled “100% UV protection” or “UV400”, which block both UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound styles offer extra coverage at the sides — helpful when sunlight reflects off pavement or water.
- Wide-brimmed hats to reduce direct glare
- UV-blocking contact lenses (as added support, not as a substitute)
- Window films in vehicles or buildings with high sun exposure
- Well-fitting sunglasses for children, built for active use
Beyond the Burn
UV safety isn’t about avoiding the outdoors. It’s about using the right tools for the job: SPF where it counts, and eye protection where it’s often forgotten. With consistent habits, small choices can make a long-term difference.
