San Francisco may be known for foggy mornings, cooler temperatures, and rapidly changing weather, but UV exposure does not disappear when summer ends. Ultraviolet rays can reach your eyes throughout the year, including on cloudy or overcast days. At Eye Carumba Optometry, we encourage patients to think about UV protection as part of their everyday eye health routine, not simply something to consider during warm summer months.

How UV Rays Can Affect Your Eyes

The sun produces ultraviolet radiation that can affect both the skin and the eyes. Short periods of intense UV exposure may irritate or damage the surface of the eye, while repeated exposure over many years can contribute to certain eye conditions.

Long-term UV exposure has been associated with an increased risk of cataracts and pterygium, which is a growth that can develop on the white portion of the eye. Excessive UV exposure can also cause photokeratitis, sometimes described as a sunburn of the eye.

Because these effects can accumulate over time, protecting your eyes consistently is important at every age.

Why San Francisco Weather Can Be Misleading

It is easy to assume sunglasses are unnecessary when San Francisco skies are cloudy or temperatures are cool. However, clouds do not completely block ultraviolet radiation. UV exposure can still occur while walking through the Financial District, spending time near the waterfront, commuting, or enjoying outdoor activities around the Bay Area.

Reflective surfaces can also increase exposure. Water, pavement, glass, and other surfaces may reflect sunlight toward the eyes even when you are not looking directly toward the sun.

What Should You Look for in Sunglasses?

Choosing sunglasses should involve more than finding frames that complement your style. For meaningful sun protection, look for lenses that provide appropriate UV protection.

Important features to consider include:

• Lenses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays or are labeled UV400
• Frames that provide good coverage around the eyes
• Polarized lenses for reducing reflected glare during driving and outdoor activities
• Prescription sunglasses if you need vision correction outdoors
• Comfortable frames that you will consistently wear throughout the year

Keep in mind that polarization and UV protection are different features. Polarized lenses can make bright conditions more comfortable by reducing glare, but the sunglasses should also specifically provide UV protection.

Make Sun Protection a Year-Round Habit

Protective eyewear can be beneficial during every season in San Francisco. Keeping sunglasses with you when commuting, driving, exercising outdoors, or spending time near the water makes it easier to protect your eyes whenever the sun appears.

A wide-brimmed hat or cap can provide additional shade, especially when spending extended periods outdoors. Children should also wear properly fitted UV-protective sunglasses because UV protection is important throughout a lifetime.

Protect Your Vision With Regular Eye Care

UV protection is one part of maintaining healthy vision. Comprehensive eye exams allow us to evaluate your vision as well as the overall health of your eyes. We can also help you choose prescription or non-prescription sunglasses that provide the right combination of clear vision, UV protection, comfort, and style for your daily routine.

Protect your eyes in every San Francisco season and schedule a comprehensice eye exam with Eye Carumba Optometry in San Francisco, CA at (415) 360-6900.