Sun damage to your eyes, eye sunburn, and more conditions to look out for this summer

Sun damage to your eyes, eye sunburn, and more conditions to look out for this summer

Sun damage to your eyes, eye sunburn, and more conditions to look out for this summer

As you enjoy summer, there are a few safety recommendations we’d like to share with you so that you can make the most out of this season while still being healthy and responsible. Let’s talk about sun protection. Wearing a hat (with a brim all the way around) is an easy way to shade your ears, face, and neck¹. Wearing sunscreen is also an obvious choice to keep your skin healthy and secure, but how can you protect your eyes?

While most people will remember to wear hats or apply sunscreen to protect their skin from overexposure to UV light, most overlook the fact that the eyes also require protection from UV rays.

UV rays and the eyes

According to the AAO (American Academy of Ophthalmology), you should wear proper eye protection from an early age to protect your eyes from the long-term effects of ultraviolet exposure. This is because the eye’s surface tissues, among other parts like the lens and cornea, can be damaged by natural sunlight rays².

Luckily, there is a sure way to prevent this damage. Using UV-blocking sunglasses is the best way to protect you from the commonly overlooked dangers of UV light on the eyes. You can stop by any of our Kodak Lens Vision Centres locations to find the best pair of sunglasses for you or you can also check out our Look Book to browse through our available models.

Did you know you can get a sunburn on your eyes?

It might not be as well-known, but you can definitely get an eye sunburn (photokeratitis). Sunburned eyes occur when UV rays cause inflammation and subsequently damage the eye’s surface and parts like the cornea.

Symptoms of photokeratitis (eye sunburn):

The eyes experience short-term and long-term symptoms from UV ray exposure. Short-term effects of overexposure to UV rays, like eye sunburn, are characterized by the following symptoms;

  • Pain in the eyes
  • Redness
  • Light sensitivity
  • Gritty feeling, as if you have sand in your eyes
  • Headaches
  • Watery eyes
  • Eyelid swelling or twitching
  • Tearing
  • Blurred vision
  • Seeing halos

However, eye sunburns aren’t the only problem you should be worried about. UV sunlight has other serious consequences.

8 sun damage conditions that can happen to your eyes

Here are 8 UV-related sun damage conditions you should be aware of this summer.

1. Corneal sunburn

This condition is painful and develops when the corneal epithelial cells are damaged by harmful UV light, leaving corneal nerves (underneath) damaged and exposed³.

2. Cataracts

Studies have also linked years of harmful UV exposure to an increased risk of getting cataracts – an eye condition characterized by the clouding of eye lenses and commonly linked with aging⁴.

3. Photokeratitis

This is a medical condition that manifests after being exposed to UV rays. It is distinguished by the damage inflicted on the corneal epithelial cells. The symptoms generally vary based on the degree of exposure to UV light and they can be mild to severe pain⁵.

4. AMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration)

UV light is also linked to AMD, an eye disease that blurs the central vision. AMD occurs when UV light damages the macula (part of the light-sensitive retina tissues responsible for controlling sharp straight-ahead central vision). This makes it difficult to view faces, read, control machinery, drive, or perform other close-up tasks. In serious cases, AMD can cause loss of vision, especially among older persons⁶.

5. Growths on the Eye

 

Long-term sun damage is also linked to conditions like “pterygium” characterized by growth on the eye’s conjunctive that blurs or blocks vision⁷.

6. Sunspots in your eye

Sun damage can also cause colored freckle-like sunspots that resemble moles on your skin. The sun spots can occur around the iris, under the retina, or in the front of the eye. Although the sun spots can be harmless, there’s a risk of them becoming cancerous⁸.

7. Aging

This isn’t exactly an eye condition. However, UV rays can accelerate eye aging by triggering responses like squinting, which deepen wrinkles around the eyes in the long term. A pair of sunglasses can easily prevent UV damage-related facial aging.

8. Pinguecula and pterygia

Exposure to UV radiation can also cause “pinguecula” and “pterygium”, both of which are eye conditions characterized by growths on the clear covering of the sclera (conjunctiva) or white part of the eyes⁹.

If you have any of the above-mentioned eye conditions, we invite you to book a consultation with one of our optometrists to get your eye health checked out and make sure you are taking proper care of your vision and eyes.

What does sun damage on the eyes look like?

Sun damage on the eyes will look like the underlying eye condition. As seen above, different conditions cause different eye health concerns and conditions:

  • Corneal sunburn resembles a skin sunburn with symptoms like redness
  • Cataracts linked to sun damage make the eyes (pupils) look cloudy
  • Sun spots look like freckles on the white part of the eye

Can you prevent sun damage to your eyes?

Yes. One of the best ways of preventing sun damage to your eyes is wearing UV-blocking sunglasses. Fortunately, you can look into our resources to learn more about the top sunglasses to consider for the summer of 2023. You can also find other great UV-blocking sunglasses on our Look Book, with several different UV-blocking sunglasses options to consider. Remember, good quality sunglasses can block up to 99% UVA and UVB light.

How to treat eye damage from the sun

If you already have UV-linked eye damage, all is not lost. You can take the following actions/steps to improve, manage or treat the underlying eye condition.

  • Stay in a dark room
  • Remove contact lenses (for those that wear them)
  • Switch to your eyeglasses instead
  • Place a cool, damp washcloth over your eyes
  • Use artificial tears to relieve a variety of symptoms and provide relief and comfort. You can check out our “Top eye drops we carry” blog to know more about it.
  • Avoid rubbing your eyes

Lastly, the best way to treat any eye damage from the sun is to book a consultation with one of our optometrists at Kodak Lens Vision Centres to learn the best course of action for your specific situation. Together, we can select your next pair of protective sunglasses and much more. There are also contact lenses that offer UV protection.

Feel free to visit us at any of our locations and we’ll help you get back to enjoying the summer in a safe and healthy way. In the meantime, consider wearing a hat with a wide brim and staying away from direct sunlight. Use an umbrella to provide extra shade and take breaks from the outdoors by going inside or finding a shady area if you plan to be out in the sun for a long time. If you have any questions about UV protection for your eyes or any other topic, you can click here to ask us directly and we would be happy to help.

Top 6 Sunglasses Trends for 2023

Top 6 Sunglasses Trends for 2023

Top 6 Sunglasses Trends for the Summer

A good pair of sunglasses (informally known as sunnies and shades) can definitely be described as fashion eyewear. While sunglasses can mostly be used as a stylish accessory, they also offer essential sun protection specifically from high-energy and bright sunlight that can damage the eyes and/or cause discomfort.

Examples of harmful high-energy sunlight are UVA rays, known to damage the macula (back of the eyes), and UVB rays, known to damage the front part (cornea and lens)¹. Generally, sunglasses from reputable manufacturers will offer protection from harmful UV light linked to many eye conditions and diseases ranging from dry eye to cataracts, macular degeneration, pterygium, and discomfort symptoms like pain, watery eyes, blurriness, and redness.

If you want to make a fashion statement while also taking proper care of your eyes, then this guide is perfect for you! We’ve covered sunglasses that are not only trendy but from reputable sunglasses brands renowned for their high-quality products. These are all available in-store and in our online look book where we have many models for you to choose from.

Here are the top 2023 biggest sunglasses trends for you to consider this summer season!

1. Rectangular Sunglasses

The rectangular sunnies trend has been with us for several seasons now, but shows no signs of going away, thanks to celebrities like Kim Kardashian and other influencers on social media. The trend is characterized by rectangular-looking sunglasses that elicit a retro feel, which is modern and nostalgic at the same time.

a. Emporio Armani (EA2066)

These designer sunglasses are from a reputable manufacturer (Giorgio Armani) with decades of experience in the fashion industry (since 1981). The sunnies have notable features such as nose pads and a metal frame. They embody a dynamic uninhibited spirit and are great for creating an aesthetic elegance and casual personal style.

b. Ray-Ban (RB4331F)

These sunglasses are another good example of a rectangular design with a more casual and classic look. They are made of acetate with a plastic bridge type. The sunnies are also Rxable (can fit prescription lenses). Most importantly, they are unisex and from a reputable brand, Ray-Ban, that has established decades of global presence in the designer eyewear market (since 1937).

2. Oversized Sunglasses

Although these types of glasses are very popular right now, they actually have a long fashion history that dates back a few decades. Oversized sunglasses first became a trend in the 1960s thanks to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (wife of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy), who was often photographed wearing them. They were later popularized again by Hollywood personalities like Paris Hilton, who you can see here with a pair of oversized white sunglasses.

There is no question about it, the oversized frames trend is here to stay!

a. Burberry (4314F)

Burberry has some great oversized sunglasses in the luxury category. The Burberry 4314F sunglasses are made of acetate and a plastic bridge type and carry the century-old history and prestige of the Burberry brand. These stylish frames are the true definition of elegance and class.

b. Burberry (B4298F)

The Burberry B4298F is a great alternative to the B4298F for those who prefer a round-like circular sunglasses look over a traditional round. This specific model exudes an old Hollywood vibe and an effortless elegance in a way that not many other frames can.

3. Tinted Sunglasses

This is yet another popular sunglasses trend in 2023 that shows no signs of slowing down. Tinted sunglasses have a distinct pigmented dye (tinted lenses) featuring many colours, the most common coloured lenses being grey and brown.

a. Burberry (B3080)

The luxury Burberry B3080 are perfect tinted sunglasses to consider buying in 2023. These aviator sunglasses feature a striking matte gold colour that can easily compliment any outfit choice. The sunnies have a metal frame, nose pads, and are the perfect accessory for a sunny day.

b. Oakley (OO4141)

If you love tungsten colour, these Oakley tinted sunnies are highly recommended. They feature a metal frame, nose pads (bridge type), and a more rectangular shape. The sunnies are also Rxable and a great option for a modern yet casual man.

c. Ray-Ban (RB3447)

Ray-Ban also has some great designer round matte arista-coloured tinted shades. They are Rxable, have a metal frame, feature nose pads, and are comfortable. These lightweight frames are perfect for female users keen on staying up to speed with the latest fashion trends.

4. 70s Sunglasses

This fashion trend has clearly been around for years and for good reason! What made these sunglasses popular in the 70s has been resurrected just in time for the perfect 2023 summer. These models are bold, oversized, tinted, with several different shapes to choose from. The lenses would vary in darkness and the frames would often be colourful. Talk about the classic styles making a comeback, eh?

a. Coach (HC8295F)

To blend right in with this trend we recommend this dark tortoise-coloured designer 70s square sunglasses from Coach, a brand that has been in existence since 1941. These sunglasses for women are Rxable, square in shape, and made of acetate and plastic (bridge type). They are the perfect retro touch you were looking for.

b. Ray-Ban (RB2188F)

Ray-Ban also has some great 70s-style sunglasses to choose from, like the RB2188F. These square-shaped designer sunnies have a transparent light brown colour. They are also Rxable and designed for women. The sunnies offer an authentic, timeless, and premium look.

 

5. Round Cat Eye Sunglasses

Round cat eye sunnies are the perfect sunglasses for people with more prominent or angular facial features who are looking for a timeless style. The sunnies have a winged shape that balances wide jaw lines and triangle or square faces. Some of our top picks for 2023 include;

a. One Sun (SUN228)

These red cat eye advanced sunnies from One Sun are Rxable and have 100% polarized lenses, meaning they’ll reduce glare and eyestrain, improving vision and safety when worn outside in the sun. The sunglasses are made of acetate and plastic (bridge type) and can add a pop of color to your summer look.

b. Vogue (VO4188S)

Vogue also has some stylish sunglasses designed for those that are looking for a more innovative look. This particular pair is perfect to make users look younger and more stylish. These sunnies are a perfect combination of contemporary styling and superior quality. The VO4188S glasses are made of a metal frame and feature nose pads. They can easily bring a touch of glamour to any casual outfit.

6. Sporty Sunglasses

Sports enthusiasts haven’t been left behind in the 2023 trendy sunglasses space. Here are some functional but stylish pairs of fashion sport sunglasses to consider in the designer category to make sure your need for adventure is met in style as well.

a. Oakley (OO9188)

These designer sporty rectangular male sunnies are the epitome of Oakley’s sculptural physics philosophy. The sunnies are made of plastic and acetate. They are also Rxable, polarized, and feature a unique colour (prizm deep water).

b. Oakley (OO9271)

These are great sporty sunglasses that complement the Oakley OO9188. They are similar in design, material, and made for athletes such as cyclists, golfers or any outdoor activity. However, they have a unique colour combination i.e., matte black with Prizm Jade.

We hope you love our 2023 sunglasses trends for the Summer as much as we do. We are sure you’ll find the perfect pair for you, so take a chance on one of these trendy options and enjoy the summer season! Each of these sunglasses can be seen on our Kodak Lens online Lookbook for your convenience. You can also browse through our lookbook to find other styles of sunglasses and eyewear.

You can visit any of the Kodak Lens Vision Centre locations/stores to find trendy prescription or non-prescription sunglasses (like mirrored sunglasses, dark sunglasses, coloured sunglasses, angular sunglasses, and many more). Kodak Lens Vision Centres also provides contact lenses so you can experience great vision and comfort with the ability to wear different sunglass styles for any occasion. For eyeglasses wearers, Kodak Lens Vision Centres can offer prescription sun lens upgrades such as polarized or Transitions lenses. Remember to consult with experienced optometrists at Kodak Lens Vision Centres that offer a variety of eye care services to meet all your visual needs.