How UV Exposure Contributes to Cataracts—and How to Protect Your Eyes

When it comes to summer safety, most of us know the importance of applying sunscreen to protect our skin. But what about your eyes?

The same ultraviolet (UV) rays that damage your skin can also take a serious toll on your eye health—especially over time. In fact, prolonged UV exposure is one of the leading risk factors for cataracts, a condition that causes significant visual impairment in many people by age 70.

In this blog, we’ll explore how UV radiation contributes to cataracts, what you can do to protect your eyes year-round, and how the expert team at St. Paul Eye Clinic can help you preserve your vision for the long haul.

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts occur when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, leading to blurry vision, light sensitivity, and difficulty seeing at night. They develop gradually and are most common in older adults, although certain risk factors—such as smoking, diabetes, eye injuries, and UV exposure—can accelerate their onset.

While cataracts are not painful and don’t always require immediate treatment, they are progressive. Without intervention, cataracts can significantly impair your daily life.

How Does UV Radiation Affect the Eyes?

Ultraviolet radiation comes in three types—UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC is mostly blocked by the ozone layer, but UVA and UVB reach the earth’s surface and can penetrate the delicate tissues of the eye.

Over time, repeated and unprotected exposure to these rays can damage proteins in the eye’s lens. This cumulative damage leads to lens clouding—a key characteristic of cataracts.

Key ways UV light contributes to cataracts:

• Oxidative stress: UV light increases the production of free radicals in the lens, leading to cellular damage and protein breakdown.
• Lens discoloration: The UV-induced yellowing of the lens contributes to visual distortion.
• Inflammation: Chronic exposure can inflame and degrade the tissue around the lens, accelerating cataract formation.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), up to 20% of cataract cases may be caused or worsened by UV radiation exposure—a preventable factor with the right protection in place.

Who Is Most at Risk?

While everyone is vulnerable to UV damage, certain groups have increased risk of UV-related cataracts:

• Outdoor workers (construction, landscaping, agriculture)
• People living at higher altitudes or in sunny climates
• Children and teens, who often spend more time outside without eye protection
• Contact lens wearers who skip UV-protective sunglasses
• Skiers and boaters, due to UV reflection off snow and water

It’s also worth noting that UV damage is cumulative. Even brief exposures without protection add up over time, increasing the likelihood of cataracts and other eye conditions, such as macular degeneration and pterygium.

How to Protect Your Eyes from UV Damage

Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to reduce UV exposure and protect your vision:

1. Wear UV-Blocking Sunglasses: Choose sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Look for labels that say “UV400” or “100% UV protection.”

💡 Tip: Darker lenses don’t always mean better protection—always check the UV rating.

2. Add a Wide-Brimmed Hat: A wide-brimmed hat can reduce UV exposure to your eyes by up to 50%, especially during midday sun hours.

3. Choose Prescription Sunglasses: If you wear glasses, talk to your eye doctor about prescription sunglasses or transition lenses that offer full UV protection.

4. Shield Young Eyes: Kids’ eyes are especially vulnerable. Ensure your children wear UV-protective sunglasses anytime they’re outdoors.

5. Schedule Regular Eye Exams: Annual or biennial eye exams help monitor lens clarity and detect cataracts early—before they begin affecting your daily life.

Diagnosed with Cataracts? You Have Options.

If you’ve already been diagnosed with cataracts, the good news is that treatment is safe, effective, and life-changing. Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the U.S., with high success rates and minimal recovery time.

At St. Paul Eye Clinic, we use advanced surgical techniques and premium intraocular lens options to restore vision clarity and improve your quality of life. Learn more about our cataract care and surgical services and how we tailor treatment to each patient’s unique lifestyle and needs.

Your Partner for Lifelong Vision Protection

At St. Paul Eye Clinic, we’re more than eye care providers—we’re your lifelong partners in protecting and preserving vision. With convenient locations across the East Metro and Western Wisconsin, our team of board-certified ophthalmologists and optometrists delivers compassionate, expert care tailored to every stage of life.

Explore our full range of services and schedule your next eye exam to experience the difference of trusted, local care you can count on.