Did you know that the same rays that age and damage your skin can also hurt your eyes?

The following are eye disorders commonly associated with the sun and UV radiation:

Burns – Overexposure to ultraviolet light, such as a day at the beach without proper eye protection, can cause a temporary, but painful burn to the surface of the eye (cornea), similar to a sunburn on the skin. Artificial light from sources like welding arcs or tanning beds, and reflected sunlight (from snow, for example) are particularly dangerous. Staring directly at the sun can permanently scar the retina, the area at the back of the eye responsible for vision.

Pterygium – An abnormal, but usually noncancerous, growth on the corner of the eye near the nose. A pterygium can grow over the cornea, partially blocking vision, and sometimes requires surgery to be removed.

Cancer – Repeated overexposure to UV rays can cause cancer of the eyelids and surrounding skin.

Cataracts – Exposure to UV radiation over several years may lead to cataracts, a clouding of the lens.

Macular degeneration – Some studies suggest that repeated exposure to UV radiation can contribute to development of this eye disease. Macular degeneration is an eye disorder, which causes damage to the central part of the retina, called the macula. It is the major cause of blindness among Americans over age 55.

UV Protection - What you may not know is those same UV rays.