(Ottawa, ON) – July 7, 2026 – Most Canadians know to apply sunscreen before heading outdoors, but many don’t realize another part of the body is just as vulnerable to the sun: their eyes.
As Canadians spend more time outside this summer, the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) is reminding the public that prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can damage the eyes, with effects that build over time. Even on cloudy days, up to 80 per cent of UV rays can penetrate cloud cover, while sunlight reflected from water, sand and pavement can further increase exposure.
Repeated UV exposure has been linked to a number of eye conditions, including cataracts, photokeratitis (a painful sunburn of the eye), and certain cancers affecting the eyelids and eye. Cataracts alone affect more than 2.5 million Canadians and remain the leading cause of vision loss.
“People often think of sunburn as something that only affects the skin, but the eyes can be damaged by UV rays too,” said Dr. Phil Hooper, leading Canadian ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon.”You may not notice the effects right away, but years of UV exposure can increase your risk of serious eye conditions. Protecting your eyes should be part of your everyday sun safety routine.”
5 Ways to Protect Your Eyes This Summer
- Wear UV400 sunglasses (100% UVA/UVB protection).
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat outdoors.
- Protect your eyes even on cloudy days.
- Schedule regular eye exams.
- See an ophthalmologist if you notice changes in your vision.
This UV Safety Awareness Month, COS encourages Canadians to make eye protection part of their everyday sun safety routine.
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About Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS): The Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) is the national, recognized authority on eye and vision care in Canada. As eye physicians and surgeons, we are committed to assuring the provision of optimal medical and surgical eye care for all Canadians by promoting excellence in ophthalmology and by providing services to support our members in practice. Our membership includes over 900 ophthalmologists and 200 ophthalmology residents.