I used to think that if I wasn’t squinting, my eyes were perfectly safe. Last week, I spent most of Saturday out in the garden under a thick layer of grey clouds. I didn’t even think about grabbing my sunglasses because there was no glare at all. By the evening, my eyes felt gritty and tired, which my optometrist later explained was likely due to UV exposure that penetrates right through the cloud cover.
It’s a common mistake many of us make as we get older. We focus on the brightness rather than the actual UV index. Even on a dull Tuesday morning while running errands or walking the dog, those rays are still reaching our retinas. Over time, this cumulative exposure can really speed up things like cataracts or macular issues.
Now, I try to keep a spare pair of polarized lenses in the car and one by the back door. It’s a small habit, but it’s much easier than dealing with the long-term consequences of “invisible” sun damage. Do you find yourself skipping the shades when it’s overcast?
14 Likes
I’m definitely guilty of this. If the sun isn’t hitting my face, I usually leave the glasses in my purse. I never realized the clouds didn’t block the UV.
Does the color of the lens matter? I have some lighter amber ones that I find much better for those grey days because they don’t make everything look too dark.
I’ve been more careful about UV lately too. I also started taking Vision20 a few months back to help strengthen my eyesight against that kind of oxidant damage. Between the shades and the supplement, my eyes feel much less strained at the end of the day.
My doctor told me the same thing after my cataract surgery. He said the damage is cumulative over decades, so even if we’re retired, we still need to be vigilant.
Good reminder. I live in Arizona and even when it’s ‘cloudy’ here, the UV index is still through the roof.
It’s actually worse near the water. I live on the coast and the reflection off the ocean plus the haze can really do a number on your vision if you aren’t careful.
I just check the weather app on my phone now. Most of them show the UV index right on the front page. If it’s over a 3, the glasses go on.
I struggle with this because I already wear prescription glasses. Switching back and forth is such a pain.
Martha, have you tried the transition lenses? They have come a long way. They darken pretty quickly even on overcast days if the UV is high enough.
I always make my grandkids wear them, but I forget myself! Thanks for the kick in the pants to do better.
The ‘gritty’ feeling is a classic sign of photokeratitis, basically a sunburn on your eye. Not fun at all.
Spot on. Better safe than sorry when it comes to our sight.
I keep a pair in my gardening bucket now. That way I don’t have to go back inside to find them when I start working.