Most people know the importance of using UV blocking sunscreen lotions and creams to protect their skin from sun damage. However, not many are aware that preventing eyes sun damage by protecting their eyes from the harmful UV radiation is also of utmost importance to preserving and protection eyesight.
According to Sue Lowe, O.D., UV protection expert at the American Optometric Association (AOA) “Overexposure to ultraviolet rays fast forwards aging of the eyes and increases the risk for serious diseases. In addition to wearing sunglasses or protective contact lenses, applying UV-blocking sunscreen around the eye area and wearing a hat will further protect the eyes and help prevent premature aging.”
Why issunlight dangerous for your eyes and eyesight?
Sunlight consists of various types of light rays. Specific types of rays, called UVA and UVB rays, are those most harmful for the eyes and vision. Scientists believe that UVA rays speed up the ageing processes in the eye cells and increase the risk of age-related vision disorders UVB sun rays are even more dangerous: exposure to UVB rays may cause different eye inflammations and irritations. Here are some of the most serious adverse effects of sunlight exposure:
- Photokeratitis, also called “eye sunburn”, is an inflammation of the cornea. It presents with numerous unpleasant symptoms – eye pain, redness in the eyes, a foreign body sensation, extreme light sensitivity, excessive tearing and so on.
- UV-radiation may cause damage to the retina, pterygium (a growth that invades the corner of the eyes) and pinguecula (a yellowish lesion that forms on the surface of the white part of your eye), eye cancer and skin cancer around the eyelids.
- Frequent exposure to sunlight has very serious long-term effects on eyesight. A growing number of studies and research show that UV-radiation increases the risk of cataract and macular degeneration – the leading cause of irreversible vision loss and blindness among adults in the United States.
How to protect your eyes from UV-radiation?
The best way to protect your eyes from harmful sunlight radiation is to always wear a pair of quality sunglasses. Not all sunglasses provide adequate UV-radiation protection. You should look for sunglasses that can block 99-100% UVA and UVB radiation and are able to screen 75-99% of visible light. Your sunglasses lenses should be free of any imperfections and perfectly match in color. It is recommended to go for grey lenses for better color recognition. If you spend lots of time outdoors, go for sunglasses with wrap-around frames. Some contact lenses also have special UV-filters and can be used to protect the eyes from sunlight damage.
Wearing protective eyewear is imperative not only during the hot summer months but throughout the year. Bright sunlight in the winter is also very harmful for the eyes and brings about the same vision complications.
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