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Watch out for the spring sun: it feels pleasantly warm, but it can be deceptive

Spring sunshine invites us to go for walks, exercise, and spend long hours outdoors. After months of gloom, our eyes have to readjust to the light. Yet few people realize that this season can pose an even greater risk to our eyes than summer. The combination of more intense UV radiation, sharper angles of sunlight, and increased dust in the air can cause not only irritation but also long-term damage to your vision. So how can we effectively protect our eyes in the spring and prevent issues that may not become apparent until years later?

While in summer we gradually get used to the strong sun, spring sunlight arrives suddenly, often catching our eyes unprepared. The transition from winter darkness to bright light is a shock to the eyes. What’s more, in spring, the sun sits lower on the horizon, meaning its rays hit our eyes from a sharper angle. This makes glare and direct UV exposure to sensitive eye tissues much more common.

Another issue is light reflectivity. In spring, we spend more time outdoors, and sunlight bounces not just off water and glass, but also off remaining snow in the mountains. UV rays can enter the eye from the side as well, causing cumulative damage. “Spring sunshine is particularly dangerous because people tend to underestimate it. But the combination of UV rays, pollen, and wind can irritate the eyes even more than summer sun,” warns Radan Zugar, MD, Chief Doctor of Eye Centre Prague.

The Most Common Eye Problems Caused by Spring Sun:

• Irritation and Dryness - Stronger winds and higher pollen levels can dry out and irritate the eyes—especially during allergy season.
• Photokeratitis - A painful inflammation of the cornea caused by excessive UV exposure. It manifests as redness, light sensitivity, and a gritty sensation. “Patients with photokeratitis often report eye pain and the feeling of a foreign body in their eyes after a day in the sun. In severe cases, treatment with eye drops or rest in a darkened room may be necessary,” explains Zugar.
• Conjunctivitis - Most of us have experienced it at some point. Prolonged exposure to UV rays without protection can lead to conjunctivitis, which causes burning, tearing, and that same foreign-body sensation in the eye.

Long-Term Consequences Are Invisible but Serious

Short-term irritation usually resolves on its own, but prolonged exposure to UV rays without adequate protection can lead to serious long-term consequences—often without people realizing it. Eye tissues are highly sensitive, and UV-related damage builds up over time. This can lead to the development of various eye diseases that affect both the quality of vision and overall eye health.

Some of the most common include:

• Cataracts - UV rays accelerate the degeneration of the eye’s natural lens, causing cloudiness and gradual vision loss. Protecting your eyes from UV exposure can significantly delay their onset.
• Macular Degeneration - Chronic UV exposure damages the retina, potentially leading to irreversible loss of central vision. There is no cure—only treatments to slow its progression—so prevention is crucial.
• Pterygium - Also known as “surfer’s eye,” this condition involves the growth of tissue over the cornea due to prolonged sun exposure. It can affect vision and, in advanced stages, may require surgical 
  • removal. It’s more common in people who spend a lot of time outdoors without eye protection.

How to Effectively Protect Your Eyes

Protecting your eyes from sunlight should be as routine as applying sunscreen. “It’s not just about shielding your eyes when you’re at the beach. Sun exposure happens in everyday city environments, too. That’s why daily prevention matters,” says Zugar. There are several simple measures that can significantly reduce your risk of eye damage: 

1. Sunglasses with UV Filter

Not all sunglasses offer real protection. Look for models with a UV400 filter, which blocks 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Dark lenses without UV protection can actually do more harm than good—since your pupils dilate behind the dark lenses, allowing more harmful light in. Polarized lenses are ideal for springtime, as they reduce glare from reflective surfaces and provide added protection.

2. Keep Eyes Hydrated

Spring winds, dust, and pollen can dry out your eyes. Using artificial tears several times a day helps maintain natural moisture and reduce irritation.

3. Balanced Diet for Eye Health

Your eyes need plenty of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as lutein, to protect the retina. Eat leafy greens, blueberries, citrus fruits, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Prevention Is the Key to Healthy Vision

UV damage to the eyes builds up over time, and its effects may not become visible for years. Regular protection from UV rays is one of the simplest ways to maintain good eyesight for as long as possible. Quality sunglasses, proper hydration, and avoiding eye irritation should be a natural part of your spring health routine. “Just as we protect our skin from sunburn, we should learn to protect our eyes. With the right prevention, we can enjoy sunny days without any unpleasant consequences,” concludes Dr. Zugar.