We all know we need to protect our skin from the sun, but our eyes are just as important. Harmful UV light from the sun may increase your risk of some eye conditions, like cataracts, corneal sunburn, and pterygium, a non-cancerous growth that can affect your vision.

A first-hand story

Here is a first-hand story from a Lyra team member who learned a critical lesson about eye health:

“For over twenty years, the softball diamond was my second home. I was a player, coach, manager and scorer. I loved every minute, but I made one big mistake: I prioritized the game over eye protection. I was often out there all day and that relentless, long-term exposure eventually took its toll.

Sunglasses were deemed “too distracting” or simply unnecessary. The only thing protecting my eyes was a softball cap, and that just wasn’t enough.

The condition started subtly. I noticed a persistent ‘graininess’ and chronic redness right in the inner corner of my eye. At first, I dismissed it as dust from the field or seasonal allergies.

But the irritation didn’t go away. The tissue began to grow – a fleshy, pink wedge that was slowly moving towards my pupil. When I finally went to the optometrist, the diagnosis was clear: Pterygium (or “Ballplayer’s Eye” as it’s nicknamed).

The cause was a lifetime of UV damage from the sun. The optometrist explained that the Pterygium was scar tissue that had built up over years of unprotected exposure.

As the growth advanced, it seriously impaired my vision. It caused blurred vision, making straight lines (like the third base line) appear wavy. At night, streetlights were surrounded by halos. The severity of the symptoms and the impact on my ability to see clearly meant surgical removal was the only solution.

The surgery was a wake-up call – I finally realized that not wearing sunglasses had resulted in a serious medical issue.

Now, you won’t see me outside without wraparound sunglasses. It’s a permanent part of my routine, and a constant reminder that taking care of your eyes is crucial.”

How to protect your eyes from the sun

  1. Wear good-quality sunglasses with UV protection when you’re spending time outside, and make sure children do the same. Bigger lenses give your eyes more protection, while wraparound styles help block harmful UV light entering from the sides.

  2. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, together with your sunglasses, as it provides extra shade and protection for your eyes.

  3. Spend time in the shade whenever possible, as this adds another layer of protection for your eyes.

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