Eye protection is just as important as sunscreen in the Arizona summer

The tiny sunglasses and colorful lens trends of the '90s and early 2000s are in style once again thanks to celebrities like Gigi Hadid and Kim Kardashian West. But should eyewear be more than just a fashion statement? 

About 2.4 million eye injuries happen in the United States each year, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. 

And Arizona can be an especially rough place for eyes, said University of Arizona College of Medicine Clinician Educator Dr. Jacob Anderson. 

The summer months can lead to a variety of eye problems due to the sun, and activities like swimming and watching fireworks.

"The wind, the dryness and the sun can cause a lot of problems," Anderson said. 

So what's the harm? 

Ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause problems for your eyes, similar to your skin. 

"UV rays can do damage all over, especially UV-B," Anderson said. 

According to Prevent Blindness, an advocacy group that works to bring awareness to vision health, UV-B rays can cause more damage to eyes than UV-A rays. UV-B rays are absorbed by the front part of the eye. UV-A rays can hurt the eye's central vision. 

Anderson said one of the most common impacts of too much UV is pterygium, a growth that can cover part of the cornea and block vision. 

UV rays can give eyes "sunburn." Photokeratitis can damage the surface layer of the cornea and the conjunctiva, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The condition can cause pain, redness, headaches, swelling and seeing halos. 

Also, the sun can put a person at risk for cataracts. The condition can lead to blurry vision, sensitivity to light, difficulty at seeing at night and seeing bright colors as faded or yellow. 

People with light-colored eyes can be at risk for light sensitivity, called photophobia.

According to Duke Health, people with blue, green or gray eyes have less pigmentation in the eye, which can prevent blocking effects of sunlight. Photophobia can cause pain around the eye and squinting.

Shades aren't just cool

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, protective eyewear can prevent 90 percent of all eye injuries. 

Wearing the right type of sunglasses can help prevent UV ray damage to your eye and skin cancer around the eyelid. Plus it prevents squinting, and thus crow's feet — and we all love that.

MORE:Safe summer sunglasses for healthy eyes

"The most important thing about sunglasses is that they have UV protection," said Anderson.

But not all sunglasses have UV protection. Look for a UV label when shopping for sunglasses. Glasses should block at least 99 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays. 

And don't forget the kids.

"Kids should be wearing sunglasses because damage can accumulate starting in childhood," Anderson said. 

Protective sunglasses can be found at affordable prices. However, many "fashionable" sunglasses that only cover parts of the eye will not be very protective, according to Anderson. 

Anderson said polarized sunglasses may provide better viewing quality, but are not always more protective. 

MORE:What is the difference between polarized and UV sunglasses?

People with prescription eyeglasses should wear prescription sunglasses or wear transition-type lenses. Contact lenses do have UV protection, according to Anderson. 

Chemicals used in pools can cause harm to the eye, as well. Anderson said people should wear goggles to protect eyes from chlorine exposure. 

According to the Academy, chlorine can cause red, itchy or watery eyes and infections. 

Be extra safe around fireworks 

About 1,300 eye injuries related to fireworks were reported in emergency rooms in 2014, according to a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission report.

The Academy suggests people attend professional firework shows instead of purchasing fireworks for personal use to avoid injuries. 

The organization also suggests that young children should not play with any type of fireworks, including sparklers. Also, people should use protective eyewear when handling fireworks. 

MORE SUMMER SAFETY:

• Sunscreens, lotions and lip balms that combat the summer sun
• It is time for sunscreen: Use an SPF of 30 or more and reapply
• Sun-smart strategies for skin, eye protection