Senior Eye Safety Tips for Summer

Getting some sunlight each day is a great way to boost vitamin D levels, but too much sun can be harmful for seniors. Taking precautions against skin damage and heat-related illnesses is top of mind in the summer, but it's just as important to protect the eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.

The same ultraviolet rays that cause sunburn and skin cancer can also harm the tissues and structures of the eye. UV sunlight is more intense during the summer months, and damage can occur long before vision symptoms begin.

Let's discuss a few easy ways to protect the eyes of seniors—and your own—year-round. Talk with an eye doctor or specialist about customized recommendations if you or your loved one has an eye disease or may be at risk for one.

How UV Light Can Harm the Eyes

Even brief exposure to direct sunlight can lead to keratitis, a painful inflammation of the cornea, the clear dome in the front of the eye. Keratitis can temporarily distort one’s vision, increasing the risk of falling.

Long-term UV light exposure can lead to cataracts, which develop as cloudy spots on the eye. UV radiation from sunlight has also been linked to age-related macular degeneration, the most common cause of vision loss in seniors.

If your loved one has glaucoma, it’s vital to follow instructions for sun protection. This eye disease — and the medicated eye drops — can greatly increase sensitivity to light and glare.

Tips to Protect Seniors’ Eyes

The best way to prevent vision loss and eye damage from UV exposure is to proactively protect the eyes. Follow these recommendations when you and your senior spend time outdoors.

Choose Proper Sunglasses

Sunglasses with protective lenses can block damaging UV rays. Here’s what to look for when your senior is choosing new sunglasses:

• A label stating “100% UV protection:” This means the lens material has been certified by the Food and Drug Administration to block UVA and UVB rays, the wavelengths most common in sunlight.
  
  
• A snug fit that covers the entire eye area: Sunglass lenses should shade the entire eye area, from the bridge of the nose to beyond the outer corner of the eyes, and from the eyebrow to the cheekbone below the eye. If your senior wears glasses daily, their vision care team can recommend wraparound sunglasses that fit their frames.
  
  
• Polarized lenses and anti-reflective coatings: These features reduce the effects of glare from reflective surfaces like water, windows, or traffic signs.
  
  
• Tinted lenses: Darker tints do not mean more UV protection. However, different lens tints can improve color contrast or minimize eyestrain during certain activities. Your senior may prefer a gray or brown tint for comfort or familiarity.
  
  
• Impact protection for active seniors: If your loved one spends time in the garden, on the golf course, or in other outdoor activities, look for a polycarbonate lens material designed to prevent injuries from debris.

Encourage your loved one to wear a wide-brimmed hat and take breaks under an umbrella or canopy for extra sun protection.

Check for Medication Interactions

Some medications can increase sun sensitivity. These include some antibiotics, antifungals, diuretics, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, and cholesterol-lowering drugs such as atorvastatin. Read their medication labels carefully and talk with a pharmacist for specific information. 

Bonus Tips

Consider these factors when planning for a safe trip outdoors:

• Check your weather app for the UV index: This number measures the UV sunlight intensity in your area. Consider staying indoors when this number is high.
  
  
• Take extra care around water: UV rays and other reflective surfaces, such as snow, can bounce off water.
  
  
• Seniors with lighter skin and eye color are more reactive to sunlight: Be especially vigilant about sun protection if your loved one has pale skin and blue or light green eyes.

How Visiting Angels Helps Seniors Stay Protected in the Sun

At Visiting Angels, our professional caregivers go beyond everyday assistance—they provide gentle, thoughtful reminders that help your loved one stay safe and independent.

As the summer sun shines bright, we can ensure your senior remembers essential items like their eye-safety gear before heading out. Whether they're attending a social event, tending to the garden, or simply enjoying a sunny stroll, we’ll offer the support they need to stay protected and comfortable.

With Visiting Angels by their side, your loved one can make the most of the season while you enjoy greater peace of mind.

Reach out to your local Visiting Angels home care office for a free consultation today.