BOSTON -- The sun can do more than damage our skin. As NewsCenter 5's Liz Brunner reported Friday, ultraviolet rays can harm your eyes.

We all know the sun is bad for our skin, but what about our eyes?

"As long as you don't look directly into the sun, I don't think it hurts eyes or would damage your eyes," said Anne Pandolfe, a beachgoer.

Stephen Jionzo, 70, of Milford, Mass., is a self-proclaimed sun-worshipper who never thought twice about protecting his eyes.

"I'm always out in the sun," Jionzo said.

When he found out his right eye had been severely damaged by UV rays, he said he was shocked.

"If I didn't do anything about it, probably within one year, I would lose sight in one eye," he said.

"Just like sun is damaging to your skin it can be damaging to your eyes," said Dr. Jonathan Talamo, an eye expert with Talamo Eye Consultants, of Waltham, Mass.

Talamo treated Jionzo for a pterygium, an overgrowth of tissue on the white of the eye directly caused by long-term UV exposure.

"And that can cause chronic irritation, but also in its more severe forms, it can impair vision," Talamo said.

Studies have shown the sun can increase your risk of developing cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and even cancer around the eye. But Talamo warns your eyes can even get a sunburn all year round if you're not careful.

"It's most common when people are either out on the water or on the snow without UV sun protection. They may not feel it right away, but they may wake up the next morning with light sensitivity, tearing and quite a bit of pain," he said.

Investing in a good pair of sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays is the best way to protect your eyes. Since undergoing surgery for his condition, Jionzo has learned to always have his sunglasses with him.

"I mean, I didn't think the sun could do that kind of damage. And now I know," Jionzo said.

Even if you have contacts with UV protection, doctors suggest wearing sunglasses. A wide brimmed hat also offers great protection.