Summer and eye health: how to prevent damage from ultraviolet radiation
With the arrival of summer and longer hours of sun exposure, experts are reminding people of the importance of protecting their eyes from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Spending more time outdoors, combined with sunlight reflecting off surfaces such as water, sand, and asphalt, makes it especially important to take preventive measures.
Dr. Lucía Galletero, a specialist at Miranza, explains that solar radiation can have a particularly harmful effect on the retina. “It has been demonstrated that ultraviolet radiation damages the retinal microenvironment and is a risk factor for diseases such as macular degeneration,” she says.
The specialist also warns that prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to symptoms such as dry eyes, irritation, and other forms of eye discomfort. In addition, UV radiation has been linked to conditions including cataracts, photokeratitis, and pterygium—commonly known as “surfer’s eye”—which is associated with excessive sun exposure and wind.
One of the most significant risks is solar retinopathy, also known as solar maculopathy, an injury caused by looking directly at the sun, even for just a few seconds. “These injuries are irreversible and can lead to vision problems or small blind spots, known as scotomas”, explains Dr. Galletero. This type of damage can destroy the retina’s light-sensitive cells, with potentially permanent consequences.
Other risk factors to consider
Sun exposure is not the only threat to eye health. Heat, wind, air conditioning, and increased tear evaporation can all contribute to dry eye, while contact with seawater or chlorinated pool water may irritate the ocular surface and disrupt the tear film.
Miranza specialists also emphasize that solar radiation affects not only the internal structures of the eye but also the skin surrounding the eyes. The eye contour is one of the most delicate areas of the face due to its thinner skin and lower levels of collagen, elastin, and fatty tissue, making it particularly vulnerable to the effects of UV radiation. As a result, cumulative sun exposure can accelerate photoaging, leading to premature wrinkles, pigmentation spots, and loss of firmness in the eyelids and surrounding skin.
For this reason, experts recommend not relying solely on sunglasses for protection. They also advise applying sunscreen specifically formulated for the sensitive skin around the eyes and reapplying it during prolonged sun exposure. In addition, Miranza stresses the importance of wearing certified UV-protective sunglasses purchased from reputable optical retailers. Dark-tinted lenses without certified UV protection may be inadequate and can even create a false sense of security, as they cause the pupils to dilate, allowing more harmful radiation to enter the eye.
Specialists also point out that certain groups require extra attention during the summer months. Children, outdoor athletes, people with light-colored eyes, and individuals with pre-existing eye conditions are particularly vulnerable to the cumulative effects of solar radiation. For these groups, adopting preventive measures is even more important to preserve long-term eye health.
Solar Eclipse
In addition, an exceptional event generating considerable excitement: the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, the first to be visible from the Iberian Peninsula in more than a century—will also require extraordinary safety precautions.
To help ensure safe viewing, Miranza will provide its patients with certified eclipse glasses, accompanied by instructions for use and recommendations prepared by its eye care professionals. The path of totality will cross Spain from west to east and will be visible in numerous cities across the northern part of the country, including A Coruña, Oviedo, León, Bilbao, Zaragoza, Valencia, and Palma. In the rest of Spain, the eclipse will be visible as a partial eclipse.