We all use sunscreen to protect our skin, but it’s important not to forget your eyes. Summer means more time outdoors, and sunlight can be harmful to your eyes just as it is to your skin. Bright sunlight increases the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and even eye cancer. This risk is the same when using indoor tanning beds, so protecting your eyes from artificial UV light matters as much as shielding them from natural sunlight. If you’re spending time at the beach or pool, be aware that sunlight reflecting off water and sand can cause photokeratitis, a painful condition sometimes called snow blindness.

Everyone, regardless of age or skin color, is vulnerable to UV damage, but children are especially at risk because their eyes absorb more UV rays. People with light-colored eyes may also be more susceptible to certain eye diseases linked to UV exposure, including eye cancer. Additionally, people with eye conditions like retinal dystrophy might be more sensitive to UV damage.

One of the most common eye problems linked to sun exposure is cataracts, which is a clouding of the eye’s lens. The lens needs to be clear to focus light properly on the retina for good vision. Years of sun exposure are a major factor in cataract development, which is why cataract surgery is the most frequently performed surgery in the United States.

Despite the risks, many people don’t realize how important it is to protect their eyes from UV rays. A survey by the American Academy of Ophthalmology found that only about half of those who wear sunglasses check whether they block UV light. Fortunately, protecting your eyes is simple. Sunglasses should be labeled as providing 100% UV protection or UV400 to block both UV-A and UV-B rays. Choosing wraparound styles helps prevent UV rays from entering around the edges. Even if you wear contact lenses that block UV rays, you still need to wear sunglasses for full protection. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat along with your sunglasses adds extra defense from sunlight.

Children need special care too. It’s best to keep them out of direct sunlight during midday when the sun’s rays are strongest, and make sure they always wear sunglasses and hats when outside. Many people think clouds block UV rays, but this is not true; the sun’s rays can pass through clouds, haze, and fog, causing damage at any time of the year—not just in summer. Be especially cautious when near water, snow, or at high altitudes, where sunlight is more intense because it reflects off these surfaces.

With these simple precautions, you and your family can enjoy the summer safely while protecting your vision.

Fireworks: Enjoy the Celebration Safely

With Independence Day approaching, many people look forward to fireworks. While professional displays are generally safe, backyard fireworks can cause serious injuries. Most firework injuries happen between late June and late July. Each year about 16,000 people go to emergency rooms because of fireworks-related injuries, and there are roughly 18 deaths. The number of minor injuries that don’t require ER visits is even higher.

Many people believe those lighting fireworks are at the highest risk, but it’s the bystanders who are most often hurt. About 65% of firework-related emergency room visits are by people watching from the sidelines. Injuries most commonly affect hands, fingers, legs, head, face, ears, and arms. Small fireworks and sparklers, often considered safer and used near children, still cause many injuries.

Eye injuries from fireworks can be especially devastating. The eyes are very delicate, and sparks, flames, smoke, or flying debris from fireworks can cause permanent damage. Common eye injuries include scratches on the cornea, detached retinas, ruptured eyeballs, and burns. Any injury to the eye should be treated as a medical emergency. If you suffer an eye injury from fireworks, seek immediate care. To avoid risks, leave fireworks to the professionals and enjoy a safe celebration.

Advances in Cataract Surgery

If the sun caught up with you and you now have cataracts and need surgery, new technology can greatly improve your results. Bladeless laser cataract surgery is a major advancement that is FDA-approved and widely used by leading ophthalmologists. This method offers greater precision and safety compared to traditional surgery and often allows correction of astigmatism at the same time, resulting in better vision outcomes.

Why Choose Milford Franklin Eye Center?

At Milford Franklin Eye Center, we provide high-quality sunglasses with full UV protection at our optical service. For those needing cataract surgery, Dr. Roger Kaldawy was the first surgeon in the area, and among the first in Massachusetts, to offer bladeless laser-assisted cataract surgery. Dr. Dan Liu in our practice, offers the same services. We use premium lenses that correct vision at all distances, including near, far, and everything in between. Thanks to bladeless laser technology, even patients with astigmatism can now enjoy excellent results.

Our surgeries take place in a certified, accredited surgery center in Milford, where an anesthesiologist is always present to ensure your safety and comfort. This level of care is not typical for all practices; some perform surgery in-office without an anesthesiologist, which is not endorsed by professional societies or Medicare. If you have been offered office-based cataract surgery, call us for a second opinion.

With more than 24 years of experience and tens of thousands of procedures performed, we are proud to offer state-of-the-art medical and surgical eye care to our community. Your vision comes first with us.

Protect your eyes this summer by wearing proper sunglasses, using hats, avoiding direct sun during peak hours, and celebrating holidays safely. If it’s time for cataract surgery, advanced options are available to restore your vision better than ever. At Milford Franklin Eye Center, we’re here to help you see clearly for many summers to come.

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