Jul 13, 2026

Top Tips for Keeping Your Eyes Safe This Summer

Summer is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine—but it’s also a time to think about protecting your vision. Just as you protect your skin from the sun, your eyes need protection too. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can permanently damage your eyes and increase your risk of serious eye diseases. Here are some simple ways to keep your eyes healthy all summer long.

1. Wear sunglasses that block all UV rays

Not all sunglasses provide the same level of protection. Choose a pair that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and fits well to prevent sunlight from entering around the sides. If you live with an eye condition such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), ask your optometrist whether amber or melanin-tinted lenses may help improve contrast and comfort.

2. Add a wide-brimmed hat

A hat with a broad, dark brim helps shield your eyes from direct sunlight and reduces glare. Wearing a hat together with sunglasses offers even better protection than either one alone.

3. Be extra careful during peak UV hours

The sun’s UV rays are strongest between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Whenever possible, seek shade during these hours. Don’t be fooled by cloudy skies—UV rays can still reach your eyes even on overcast days, so check the daily UV Index before heading outside.

4. Never look directly at the sun

Looking directly at the sun can cause permanent damage to your retina, even if you’re wearing sunglasses. If you’re watching an eclipse or other solar event, always use approved eye protection designed specifically for solar viewing.

5. Understand why sun protection matters

Over time, UV exposure can increase your risk of several eye conditions, including:

• Cataracts, which cloud the eye’s natural lens.
• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss.
• Growths on the eye’s surface, such as pinguecula and pterygium, which can cause irritation and affect vision.
• Skin cancers of the eyelid, including basal and squamous cell carcinoma.

Because UV damage builds up over a lifetime and cannot be reversed, protecting your eyes every day is one of the best investments you can make in your long-term vision.

6. Keep up healthy eye habits

Protecting your eyes isn’t just about sunglasses. You can also support your eye health by:

• Eating a diet rich in colourful fruits and vegetables.
• Staying physically active.
• Not smoking.
• Managing chronic conditions such as diabetes.
• Scheduling regular comprehensive eye exams.

7. Don’t skip your eye exam

Routine eye exams can detect vision changes and eye diseases before symptoms appear. Healthy adults should have an eye exam at least every two years, while adults over 65 or people with conditions such as diabetes should be examined annually. Children should have their first eye exam at six months of age, another between ages two and three, and yearly exams throughout childhood.

If you experience sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, flashes of light, halos around lights, or an eye injury, seek immediate medical attention.

Need more information?

If you have questions about eye health or living with vision loss, Fighting Blindness Canada’s Health Information Line is here to help. Our team can connect you with trusted information, resources, and support to help you take charge of your eye health. You can reach us at healthinfo@fightingblindness.ca or call 1-888-626-2995.