
Most people know that UV (ultraviolet) rays the skin, but did you know that they can also threaten your eye health? Long -term sun exposure increases your risk of cataracts, blindness and even eye cancer. And unlike a sunburn, you may not notice the effects until it’s too late.
However, protecting yourself is easy. Wearing 100% UV-blocking sunglasses and taking basic precautions for the safety of the sun-such as wearing a hat-can help to keep your vision sharp for years.
Let us look at the eye-related risks of UV-exposure and how we can fight them further.
Why are UV rays harmful in mind?
UV rays can cause serious, long-term damage to your eyes, thereby increasing the risk of facial disorders that often develop without symptoms. Some of them are:
- Cataracts: an important cause of loss of vision worldwide, cataracts (clouds on the lens of the eye) develop as UV rays damage the proteins in the lens over time.
- Macular degeneration: Long -term exposure to UV can also contribute to age -related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a progressive eye disease that damages the center of the retina, leading to blurry or absent central view.
- Eye cancer and tumors: UV radiation increases the risk of ocular melanoma and eyelid cancer such as basal and squamous cell carcinoma – some of which may be fatal.
- Pterygium (Surfer’s Eye): This is non-cancer-like growth on the surface of the eye that can be inflamed with long-term UV damage. Although not fatal, Pterygium can be less than aesthetic and you can disrupt your vision.
- Photokeratitis (snow blindness): This is a painful sunscreen from the cornea caused by UV reflections of water, sand, snow or ice. Although it is usually solved alone within a few days, if not well cared for, it can increase your risk of other eye problems.
- Chronic dry eyes: Long -term exposure to UV rays – especially in dry or windy environments – can increase the evaporation of the tear film, leading to deteriorating symptoms of dry eyes.
UV damage accumulates over time, so every time you expose your eyes to the sun, you increase your risk of the circumstances above. So early and consistent protection is crucial, especially for children, young adults and outside employees.
How to protect eyes against damage in the sun
To prevent UV-related eye damage, limit the sun exposure when you can, and protect yourself with these strategies:
1. Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection.
Not all sunglasses offer the same level of protection. Search for lenses with the 100% UV or UV400 label, which block both types of UV rays (UVA and UVB).
Choose writer or oversized frames to protect your eyes against multiple angles – especially if you are close to water or snow, where UV rays more intensively reflect.
Polarized lenses can help reduce the blind in these settings, but they do not block UV rays. So make sure that your sunglasses offer both functions.
If you wear a prescription glasses and do not want to buy any other pair, only for outdoor use, you can find UV-blocking clip-ons.
And don’t forget the children. The eyes of children are more vulnerable than adults because their clearer eye lenses allow more UV rays to reach the retina.
2. Pair of sunglasses with a hat with a wide edge.
Sunglasses alone cannot block UV rays from any angle, so wear a hat with a wide edge (at least 3 inches) for extra protection. This is especially important for children during the outdoors.
3. Do not look directly at the sun.
Even looking at the sun can cause permanent retinal damage (called solar retinopathy). This risk is especially high during a solar eclipse, when you cannot see much of the brightness of the sun, making it easier to stare without immediately discomfort.
Always use to view a solar eclipse safely and always use certified glasses on solar energy.
4. Exercise.
Physical activity may not sound related to eye health, but it is crucial to protect your vision.
Research shows that aerobic exercises in particular help to lower intraocular pressure and support retinal ganglion cells, which are responsible for transferring visual information to the brain.
There are more than a million of these cells in every retina, so keeping them healthy is essential.
Aim at at least 30 minutes from moderate to powerful exercise, five days a week.
5. Be careful in all environments.
UV rays are present during every season and in all environmental conditions. It is important to take extra precautions:
- On cloudy days: Studies suggest up to 80% of the UV rays through clouds, so that your eyes are still in danger, even if you can’t see the sun.
- Round reflective surfaces: water, sand, snow and ice strengthen the exposure to UV by reflecting extra sunlight in your eyes.
- In higher heights: UV radiation is intensified with height, which increases the risk of eye damage, especially during mountain walks or ski trips.
Your eyes are just as susceptible to awnings as your skin, which gradually develops disorders such as cataracts and eye cancer. And this damage often goes unnoticed until it is too late. But you can protect yourself by taking the correct precautions.
Whether you enjoy a day on the beach, a mountain of skiing or shopping on a cloudy day, make UV protection part of the routine of your family. Simple proactive measures can now help to maintain a healthy vision for a lifetime.
References:
UV light and the ocular lens: an overview of exposure models and resulting biomolecular changes
Impact of air pollution and again on dry eyes
The role of ultraviolet radiation in the pathogenesis of Pterygia (review)
Photokeratitis induced by ultraviolet radiation at travelers: a major health problem – PMC
Acute Eclipse Retinopathy: A Small Case Series
How does spending time protect against myopia? A review – PubMed