The sun's UV rays can be harmful, not only for your skin, but also for your eyes. The World Health Organization reports that 15 million people worldwide have blindness from cataracts, and the likely cause for that for up to 10% of these people may have been exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Although the harsh summer sun may be going away now, fall brings colder, drier air, which can also cause irritation to your eyes.
You can find plenty of Reddit threads discussing eye health and recommending ways to improve it. There are varying suggestions ranging from taking supplements to doing eye exercises. But if you need simpler methods that are easier to incorporate into your daily routine, there are a few things you can do.
Here are the top simple habits to adopt for healthier eyes this fall and beyond.
How to protect your eyes from the sun
There are plenty of ways to protect your eyes in the heat, from wearing sunglasses to following a balanced diet. Here are some science-backed tips for summer eye care.
Wear sunglasses
One of the easiest -- and most stylish -- ways to take care of your eyes is by wearing sunglasses during the day. When your eyes aren't protected from the sun, they're exposed to multiple types of UV rays, which can increase your risk of certain diseases, including photokeratitis and cataracts.
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Consider polarized lenses: Polarized lenses are designed with a special chemical that filters more light than other sunglasses. They also reduce glare from reflective surfaces, like water and snow, so they're a good option if you spend a lot of time outside.
Choose the right lens color: While it may seem like darker lenses would provide more protection from UV rays, the opposite is true. Extremely dark lenses force your pupils to open wider, allowing more sunlight into your eyes. Instead of dark lenses, opt for gray or smoke-colored lenses to get the most sun protection.
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