Protecting Your Eyes from Arizona Sun
299 sunny days a year is great for your mood. Less great for your corneas.
299sunny days per year in Phoenix
Last reviewed: April 2026
Arizona gives you nearly 300 days of sunshine annually. That is fantastic for hiking, pool days, and never owning an umbrella. It is less fantastic for your eyes, which absorb UV radiation every time you step outside, even on cloudy days.
Chronic UV exposure is a leading contributor to cataracts, macular degeneration, and growths on the eye surface called pterygium (that fleshy wedge you see on long-time desert dwellers' eyes). The damage is cumulative, meaning every unprotected hour adds up over years.
The fix is not complicated. Good sunglasses, regular eye exams, and a few smart habits go a long way. This guide covers what you need to know about keeping your eyes healthy in one of the sunniest places on Earth.
How UV Damages Your Eyes
Ultraviolet radiation from the sun damages eye tissue in two main ways. UVB rays affect the front of the eye, causing corneal sunburn (photokeratitis) and contributing to cataracts and pterygium. UVA rays penetrate deeper, reaching the retina and contributing to macular degeneration over time.
Arizona's elevation and clear skies amplify UV exposure. Phoenix sits at about 1,100 feet, and Flagstaff at 7,000 feet. Higher elevation means less atmosphere filtering UV rays. The reflective surfaces of desert sand, concrete, and water also bounce UV light upward, hitting your eyes from below (where sunglasses offer less coverage).
Not All Sunglasses Are Created Equal
The most important feature on any pair of sunglasses is a label that says "100% UV protection" or "UV400." This means the lenses block both UVA and UVB rays. Without this label, tinted lenses actually make things worse by dilating your pupils while letting UV through.
Polarized lenses are a nice bonus. They reduce glare from roads, water, and car hoods, which is genuinely useful during an Arizona commute at sunrise. Wraparound frames provide side coverage, reducing the UV that sneaks in around the edges. Lens color (gray, brown, amber) is mostly a personal preference and does not significantly affect UV protection.
Common Eye Conditions Linked to Sun Exposure
Cataracts cloud the lens inside your eye, making vision blurry, hazy, or less colorful. About 24.4 million Americans over 40 have cataracts, and UV exposure accelerates their development. Cataracts are treatable with surgery, which is one of the most common and successful procedures in medicine.
Pterygium is a growth of tissue on the white of the eye that can extend over the cornea. It is sometimes called "surfer's eye," but in Arizona, it should be called "everyone's eye." Dry air, wind, dust, and UV all contribute. Treatment ranges from lubricating drops to surgical removal if it affects vision.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) damages the central part of the retina, affecting sharp, straight-ahead vision. UV exposure is one of several risk factors. Early detection through regular eye exams is key, because treatment options are more effective when AMD is caught early.
Arizona's Dry Air and Your Eyes
The Sonoran Desert averages less than 8 inches of rain per year. That dry air evaporates your tear film faster, leading to dry eye symptoms: irritation, burning, blurry vision, and the sensation of something stuck in your eye.
Artificial tears (preservative-free drops) help. A humidifier at home or in the office adds moisture. Stay hydrated. Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish, flax, or supplements) support tear production. If you wear contact lenses, dry Arizona air can make them uncomfortable. Talk to your eye doctor about daily disposables or specialty dry-eye contacts.
See an Eye Doctor If You Notice
Schedule an appointment if you experience sudden changes in vision (blurriness, dark spots, flashes of light), persistent dry eye that does not improve with drops, a growing tissue or spot on the white of your eye, halos around lights at night, or difficulty driving at dusk. Sudden vision loss, a curtain or shadow across your visual field, or a sudden shower of floaters is a medical emergency. Go to the emergency room or call your ophthalmologist immediately.
Eye Exam Schedule by Age
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a baseline comprehensive eye exam at age 40 for adults without risk factors. After that, every 1-2 years depending on findings. At age 65 and older, annual exams are recommended.
People with diabetes should have a dilated eye exam every year starting at diagnosis. People with a family history of glaucoma or macular degeneration should start screening earlier. Children should have their first eye exam between 6-12 months, again at age 3, and before starting school.
Your Arizona Eye Protection Checklist
- Wear UV400 or 100% UV protection sunglasses every time you go outside
- Choose wraparound frames for maximum coverage
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat (blocks up to 50% of UV reaching your eyes)
- Use preservative-free artificial tears for dry eye symptoms
- Run a humidifier at home, especially during dry winter months
- Schedule regular eye exams based on your age and risk factors
- If you have diabetes, get an annual dilated eye exam
- Replace scratched sunglasses (scratches reduce UV protection)
- Keep a backup pair of sunglasses in your car
Frequently Asked Questions
Do expensive sunglasses protect better than cheap ones?
Not necessarily. A $15 pair labeled "100% UV protection" or "UV400" blocks the same amount of UV as a $300 pair. The price difference is usually about the frame quality, lens coatings, and brand. Always check the UV label first.
Can I get sunburn on my eyes?
Yes. Photokeratitis is essentially a sunburn on the cornea. Symptoms include pain, redness, tearing, and light sensitivity, usually starting 6-12 hours after exposure. It typically resolves in 24-48 hours. Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses prevents it.
Is desert dust bad for my eyes?
Yes. Windblown dust and sand can scratch the cornea and contribute to pterygium. Wraparound sunglasses or safety glasses provide the best protection during dusty conditions or monsoon season.
Do blue-light glasses help with screen time?
Current evidence does not support that blue-light glasses reduce eye strain or prevent damage from screens. Digital eye strain is caused by prolonged focus at a close distance, not by the blue light itself. The 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) is more effective.
Does AHCCCS cover eye exams in Arizona?
AHCCCS covers eye exams for children and for adults with specific conditions like diabetes. Coverage for routine adult eye exams varies by plan. Contact your AHCCCS health plan for details about your specific benefits.