More sunshine and time outside might feel great, but it also means more hours spent in the sun. Too much exposure to UV rays from the sun may harm your eyes.

One of the biggest known dangers of UV exposure is the increased risk of skin cancer. The sun can also increase signs of aging. Your eyelid skin is the thinnest in your body, which is why wrinkles often appear around the eyes. UV damage can accentuate skin dryness, loss of elasticity, and the development of lines and wrinkles. 

According to the National Eye Institute, increased sun exposure may also increase your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Cataracts cause clouding of the lens in your eye. Age-related macular degeneration leads to a breakdown or deterioration of the macula. Both conditions may cause vision loss. 

This spring, wear sunglasses that provide 100 percent protection against UV rays. You should also apply sunscreen to the skin around your eyes for protection. 
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For many people, springtime is the start of allergy season. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, in the United States, over 40 million people develop seasonal allergies. Springtime is often a peak time for some people with allergies because everything is blooming. This creates more pollen in the air, which is often an eye allergy trigger. 

Symptoms of eye allergies may include: 

• Itching 
• Redness
• Clear discharge 
• Burning 

The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology recommends taking the following steps to reduce eye allergy symptoms:  

• Wear sunglasses to reduce exposure to pollen. 
• Shower as soon as possible after coming in from outside to reduce pollen. 
• Consider taking an antihistamine to prevent allergy symptoms from starting. 
• Use artificial tears to ease irritation.  
• Ask your eye doctor about prescription eye drops, such as those containing an antihistamine or steroid. 

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Many types of viruses and the illnesses they cause tend to peak in the winter months, but there are also viruses circulating during the spring months. 

Research in the journal EMBO Molecular Medicine found that human respiratory viruses, such as parainfluenza, rhinovirus, and metapneumovirus, show the highest activity in the spring and fall months. 

You can contract a virus through the membranes in your eyes. If you touch a surface that contains virus particles and then rub your eyes, it is possible for the virus to enter your body. Try to avoid rubbing your eyes, which can also transfer bacteria onto your hands. 
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As springtime approaches, you might have vacations, end-of-school activities, and outside projects on your mind. As hectic as life gets, do not neglect your vision. Do not put it on the backburner if you are due for an eye exam. Also, if you develop new vision symptoms or have any concerns about your eyes, it is best to have it checked out as soon as possible.  

We hope by taking some of the steps above you can keep your eyes healthy this springtime and all year long. If you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.