As we anticipate and celebrate the longest day of the year by embracing the warmth and light of the summer solstice, it’s important to reflect upon the often overlooked aspects of this time: our eye health and the impact of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Observing the Summer Solstice in Vancouver

In a vibrant city like Vancouver, the summer solstice will occur 7:57 am on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, and is celebrated with numerous outdoor events and activities. Residents take advantage of the extended daylight hours and bask in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re exploring the natural beauty and headed on a hike to a lake, enjoying a relaxing day family day at Kitsilano Beach, or participating in team sports, it’s crucial to remember one key aspect of summer health: eye protection.

UV Rays and Natural Occurrences on the Longest Day of the Year

The summer solstice is the day when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, resulting in the longest period of daylight. While the extended sunlight and warmth make for great outdoor activities, the intensity of UV radiation also reaches its peak. Unfortunately, this increased exposure to UV rays can have detrimental effects on our eyes, contributing to several eye conditions and diseases.

The Effects of UV Rays on Your Vision

Overexposure to UV rays can negatively impact our eyes and vision both immediately and over time. Acute effects can include photokeratitis, often referred to as “sunburn of the eye,” resulting in symptoms like pain, redness, blurry vision, or even temporary vision loss. Chronic exposure to UV rays, on the other hand, can lead to serious eye diseases such as cataracts, macular degeneration related to age, and various eye cancers.

The intense sunlight can overpower the retina, a light-sensitive tissue in your eye, leading to a condition known as solar retinopathy – essentially another form of “sunburn” for your eyes. The sun’s detrimental UV rays have the potential to burn both the cornea and the macula, the portion of the retina crucial for central vision. This damage may result in symptoms such as pain, impaired vision, or possibly permanent loss of central vision.

The Sun and Your Eyes

It can be tempting to gaze upwards and take in the beauty of the bright, expansive sky. However, it’s critical to remember that directly looking into the sun can cause serious harm to your eyes, regardless of the day of the year.

Just like you protect your skin from sunburn, it’s crucial to take measures to shield your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. The risk doesn’t diminish with the setting sun either; even as the sun hovers low during the solstice sunset, its rays can still harm your eyes. So, this summer solstice, by all means, appreciate the sunshine and extended daylight but do so safely without looking directly into the sun.

Vision Damage Symptoms

Symptoms of UV-related eye damage can vary widely depending on the specific condition. However, common symptoms to watch for include eye pain, excessive tearing, irritation, redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and seeing halos or rings around lights. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention from an optometrist.

Can My Eyes Recover from UV Damage?

In some cases, especially with conditions like photokeratitis, the eyes can heal themselves with time and appropriate care. However, long-term UV damage often leads to chronic eye conditions that might not be reversible and could potentially lead to vision loss. Therefore, prevention through proper eye protection is paramount.

It's important to consult with an eye care professional to determine the best type of UV ray eye protection for you.

UV Swim Goggles: Great for swimming or any water-related activities, these goggles provide UV protection even when submerged.
Volleyball Sunglasses (wrap-around design): Perfect for high-intensity sports, these sunglasses not only provide UV protection but also keep sand and debris out.
SUP Boarding/Kayak Polarized Sunglasses: Polarized lenses can reduce the glare from water surfaces, making these ideal for stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking.
Cycling Glasses: Specifically designed for cyclists, these glasses offer UV protection while also safeguarding your eyes from dust and wind.
Hiking Polarized Sunglasses: For hikers, these sunglasses provide UV protection and reduce glare, particularly helpful when navigating reflective surfaces like snow or water bodies.
Safety Eyewear for Yard Work: Yard work often involves dust and debris, making safety eyewear with UV protection a smart choice.
Kids UV Protective Sunglasses: Children’s eyes are more susceptible to UV damage. Ensure your child wears sunglasses that offer nearly 100% UV protection.
Boating Eyewear: Polarized boating eyewear can protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce glare, making your sailing experience more comfortable and safe.

So, this summer solstice, while you revel in the natural beauty of Vancouver, remember that the right protective eyewear can safeguard your eyes from the potential harm of UV rays. Celebrate safely, protect your eyes, and enjoy the longest day of the year to the fullest!