1. Skin Cancer Up to 10 percent of all skin cancers are found on the eyelids. UV protection is preventative.
  2. Cataracts The World Health Organization reports that approximately 900,000 people worldwide are blind because of cataracts—cloudiness in the lens of the eye—triggered by UV exposure.
  3. Macular Degeneration UV light may play a role in damaging the macula (the center of the retina with millions of light-sensing cells which allow us to see fine details clearly), potentially leading to blurriness and vision loss.
  4. Pterygium An abnormal growth of tissue may progress slowly from either corner across the white part of the eye, possibly leading to inflammation or disturbance of vision.
  5. Photokeratitis A sunburn of the eye which causes pain and blurred vision, light sensitivity and the sensation of something in the eye which generally heals within 48 hours.

Caution: Don’t just buy the $5 pair at the drugstore, which can do more harm than good. Pupils dilate behind dark lenses, so cheap shades will actually let more damaging rays into your eyes than if you weren’t wearing any sunglasses! Be sure to get a pair that blocks 99 to 100% of UVA and UVB light.

Dr Richard Carlin
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Dr. Carlin is a highly experienced, board-certified ophthalmologist and Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology with more than five decades of experience in vision care and surgical innovation. A graduate of the University of Illinois College of Medicine, he completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Michigan before serving in the United States Navy in Key West, Florida. In 1977, he founded CarlinVision and has since built a longstanding reputation for excellence in LASIK, cataract surgery, refractive procedures, and cosmetic eyelid surgery. Throughout his career, Dr. Carlin has completed more than 11,000 procedures and remains at the forefront of advanced laser and refractive technologies. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and an active member of multiple leading professional organizations, reflecting his enduring commitment to clinical excellence and patient care.