Florida Sun and Your Eyes: UV Protection That Actually Works

Living in Coconut Creek or Delray Beach means year-round sunshine — and year-round ultraviolet exposure. Cumulative UV and high-energy visible light exposure has been linked to cataract formation, macular degeneration progression, pterygium, and photokeratitis.

What to Look For in Sunglasses

• 100% UVA and UVB protection, or the label "UV400." This is the only feature that truly matters, and it costs almost nothing. Expensive lenses are not automatically more protective, and cheap ones can be excellent.
• Wraparound or large frames. Up to half of UV exposure reaches the eye from the sides and above; a close-fitting wrap style blocks far more than a small lens.
• Polarization reduces glare off water, roads, and car hoods. It improves comfort and contrast but does not by itself provide UV protection — check both.
• Lens tint is about comfort, not protection. Gray preserves color accuracy; brown and amber enhance contrast.
• Dark lenses without UV protection are worse than none, because they dilate your pupils and let more UV in.

Add a Hat

A wide-brimmed hat cuts UV reaching the eyes substantially and complements sunglasses. Together they are more effective than either alone.

When Exposure Is Highest

• Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Near water, sand, and light-colored concrete, which reflect UV upward under your lenses
• On overcast days — clouds pass a large share of UV, so cloudy is not safe
• Year-round in Florida; there is no low season here

Special Situations

• After cataract surgery, ask whether your implanted lens filters UV; most do, but sunglasses are still recommended
• On photosensitizing medications such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and psychiatric drugs, protection matters more
• With existing AMD, protection is part of routine care alongside supplements and not smoking
• For grandchildren, children's eyes transmit more UV to the retina than adults' — get them real UV400 sunglasses, not toys

What About Blue Light From Screens?

Screens emit far less blue light than sunlight, and current evidence does not show they damage the retina. Digital eye strain is real, but it comes from reduced blinking and sustained focus, not light toxicity. Use the 20-20-20 rule — every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds — and lubricating drops.

Simple Habits

Keep a UV400 pair in the car, one by the door, and one in your golf or beach bag. Protection you own but leave at home does nothing.

Ask us at your next visit whether your current sunglasses meet the standard — we are happy to look. Call (954) 633-8202.