Sunglasses are about more than fashion; they can also prevent damage to your eyes caused by UV rays. They are especially harmful when staring at the sun straight on, which can result in short-term discomfort or even significant vision loss. Mowen Opticians in Waynesboro, VA, know that the right information is crucial to help their patients preserve healthy eyes. The following are a few of the damaging effects that can occur when you stare at the sun without sunglasses.

Photokeratitis Will Occur

Photokeratitis is really just a fancy way of saying ocular sunburn. Yes, your eyes can experience sunburn just like the rest of your body, and even the way damage presents itself is similar. Tissue will become inflamed, which can result in blistering and cracking. Your eyes will also water excessively and will become extremely irritated and uncomfortable. What’s more is that symptoms can result after relatively brief exposure, although photokeratitis usually resolves in about 36 hours.

Longer Exposure Means More Damage

In the event you continue to stare at the sun, you can expect even more ill-effects to occur. In this case your retina will bear the brunt of the damage, which is the layer of tissue behind your eyeball that receives light and renders it into signals which are then transmitted to the brain.

Sun damage to the retina is known as solar retinopathy, which can result in long term damage to your eyes. Blurred vision is a common symptom of solar retinopathy, and this symptoms can last for a year or longer in some cases. If you make it a point to stare at the sun without proper sunglasses on a frequent basis, damage to the retina may be permanent.

The team at Mowen Opticians want to keep your eyes safe this summer, which is why they offer a wide range of attractive sunglasses that also offer UV protection. These opticians also offer a good selection of kids’ glasses to ensure your little ones’ eyes remain protected when spending a sunny day outdoors. Schedule an appointment in Waynesboro today by calling (540) 943-3113. You can also visit them online to see the complete listing of available services.