Why Coastal Living Can Increase UV Eye Damage

Living near the coast has many benefits, but it can also increase your risk of UV-related eye damage.

Patients throughout coastal Virginia, North Carolina, and the Mid-Atlantic Region experience elevated UV exposure because sunlight reflects off:

• Water

• Sand

• Pavement

• Glass surfaces

This reflected UV light can intensify exposure to the eyes, even on cloudy days.

People who spend significant time outdoors — including boaters, fishermen, athletes, landscapers, and beachgoers — should be especially careful about protecting their vision.

Long-term UV exposure may contribute to:

• Cataracts

• Macular degeneration

• Growths on the eye surface

• Chronic dry eye irritation

At Wagner Kapoor Institute, our ophthalmologists recommend year-round UV protection, not just during summer months.

Simple habits like wearing sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats can make a major difference in preserving long-term eye health.

Author

Wagner Kapoor Institute Wagner Kapoor Institute, specializes in diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, glaucoma, eye tumors, and the diagnosis and management of complex medical and surgical eye disease. We are the preferred referral for National Retina Centers of Excellence and the preeminent provider of adult and pediatric macula and retina treatments located in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia & North Carolina. Our state-of-the-art facilities offer the latest technology and treatments to save your eyesight.