Don’t Squint Through Summer — Shield Your Eyes from Hidden UV Damage
Summer in Utah is beautiful — long days, bright sunshine, high-altitude adventures, and plenty of time outdoors. But with all that sunlight comes a lot of UV exposure, and your eyes are some of the most vulnerable parts of your body.
Most people know to put sunscreen on their skin…
But your eyes need protection too — every single day.
At Progressive Eye Care in South Jordan, we help families from Herriman, Riverton, West Jordan, Draper, and Sandy protect their eyes year-round with the right UV-blocking eyewear and smart sun habits. Here’s what every parent, hiker, sports enthusiast, and Utah sunshine-lover should know.
Why UV Protection Matters More Than You Think
UV rays don’t just cause sunburn. Over time, they can cause real, permanent damage to your eyes — even if you don’t feel it happening.
The biggest risks include:
☀️ Cataracts
UV exposure speeds up clouding of the lens inside your eye, causing blurry vision and glare — often earlier in life than expected.
☀️ Macular Degeneration
The macula (your central “detail vision”) is extremely sensitive to UV and blue-violet light. Long-term sun exposure increases the risk of AMD, a leading cause of vision loss.
☀️ Pinguecula & Pterygium (“Surfer’s Eye”)
Utah’s bright summers, reflective snow, and desert landscapes create the perfect conditions for the growth of yellowish bumps (pinguecula) or tissue that grows onto the cornea (pterygium).
These conditions cause irritation, redness, and sometimes blurred vision — and they’re strongly linked to UV exposure.
☀️ Photokeratitis (Sunburn of the Eye)
Just like snow glare can burn your skin, it can burn your corneas too. Skiers, hikers, and lake-goers are especially at risk.
The good news? All of this is preventable with the right eyewear.
The Easiest Step: High-Quality Sunglasses
Not all sunglasses are created equal. For real protection, you want:
✔ 100% UVA + UVB protection
Not “UV-tinted.” Not “UV-blocking.”
The label should say 100% UV protection or UV400.
✔ Wraparound or larger frames
More coverage = better protection.
✔ Quality lenses (not gas-station sunglasses)
Cheap plastics often distort vision and may let in UV from the sides.
✔ Options for kids
Children’s eyes let in more UV than adults — they need real sunwear early.
At Progressive Eye Care, our team helps you choose sunglasses that not only protect your vision… but also look amazing.
Transitions®: Everyday Lenses That Protect Without Switching Glasses
If you don’t want to carry multiple pairs of glasses, Transitions® light-adaptive lenses are a fantastic option.
Why patients love them:
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They darken instantly outdoors
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Block 100% UVA & UVB rays
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Reduce glare
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Help protect the retina
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Perfect for kids, teens, and adults
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Available in stylish colors and mirrors
Transitions are especially helpful for patients who are sensitive to sunlight, have migraines, or spend a lot of time moving between indoors and outdoors.
Special Note for Families: Kids Need UV Protection the Most
Kids spend more hours outdoors than adults, and their eyes absorb three times more UV.
Early UV protection reduces the risk of myopia (nearsightedness) complications, growths on the eye, and cataracts later in life.
If your child doesn’t like wearing sunglasses, Transitions® kids lenses are a great “set it and forget it” solution.
Meet Your South Jordan Eye Doctors
Our experienced team has helped Utah families protect their eyes for more than two decades:
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Dr. Jeffrey Broadhead, OD
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Dr. Michael Hope, OD
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Dr. Michael Chism, OD
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Dr. Ana Schroeder, OD
We love helping patients stay safe in the sun — with style and comfort.
Protect Your Eyes Before Summer Hits — We Can Help
Whether you need prescription sunglasses, everyday UV-protective glasses, Transitions®, or expert guidance on preventing sun-related eye conditions, we’re here for you.
📞 Call us today: 801-676-2020
📅 Or schedule online 24/7: www.progressive-eyecare.net
At Progressive Eye Care, we’ll help your family enjoy summer confidently, comfortably, and safely — with clear vision and strong UV protection.
