Healthy Skin, Healthy Eyes—Sun Safety for Our People

Here in the Land of Enchantment, we’re lucky to have endless sunshine and wide-open skies that invite us to live life outdoors. But while we soak up the beauty, we’re also soaking up more ultraviolet (UV) rays than we might think—and over time, that exposure can really add up. 

Don’t Overlook Sunburned Eyes

Did you know your eyes can get sunburned? It’s called photokeratitis, and it happens when UV rays damage the clear front part of your eye. This condition is especially common in bright, sunny environments with lots of reflective surfaces—like water, sand, or snow—and can cause symptoms like pain, redness, and blurry vision.

But short-term damage isn’t the only concern. Native Americans may also face higher risks for long-term eye conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration, both of which can be made worse by ongoing UV exposure. These diseases can impair vision by clouding the eye’s lens or damaging the retina, and in serious cases, may lead to partial or permanent vision loss. Because many Indigenous communities have limited access to regular eye care, it’s especially important to protect your eyes from the sun.

Why Skin Cancer Deserves More Attention

Native Americans generally have more melanin, the natural pigment that gives skin its color and helps protect against some sun damage. However, this doesn’t make anyone immune to skin cancer. Increased sun exposure poses a high risk, and because skin cancer can be harder to spot on darker skin tones, it’s often diagnosed later. When caught late, skin cancer—like melanoma—is more difficult to treat and can lead to serious health complications. That’s why early awareness and sun protection are so important.

Tip: ☀️ If you spend long hours outdoors with limited access to shade, protect yourself by wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, UV-blocking sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and long sleeves to reduce your risk of sun-related damage.

Sun safety isn’t about fear, it’s about care. Whether you’re working in the field, playing sports, or spending time in nature, small steps to protect your skin and eyes help you stay healthy, focused, and present.

Tradition and health go hand in hand—just like sunscreen and sunglasses.