You probably know that ultraviolet rays can harm your skin, but are you aware that they can also damage your eyes? UV rays are invisible rays of energy that come from the sun that can cause sunburns, wrinkles, and skin cancer. They can also affect vision and eye health.
What Are UV Rays?
The three types of ultraviolet radiation are UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA rays are the most common and can penetrate deep into the skin. They can cause premature aging, wrinkles, and skin cancer.
UVB rays are more intense and can burn the skin. They can also aid in progression of macular degeneration, cataracts, and other eye conditions. UVC rays are most intense. Fortunately, the ozone barrier prevents them from reaching the planet, so we get exposed to those through artificial means, such as welding or lasers.
How Can UV Rays Damage The Eyes?
Photokeratitis
When UV rays inflame the cornea, the clear front section of the eye, it causes a temporary ailment called photokeratitis that feels like a sunburn on the eye. It may result in discomfort, redness, impaired vision, light sensitivity, and the sensation of something in your eye.
Pinguecula
This yellowish bump forms on the white part of the eye (the sclera). Exposure to UV rays, dust, wind, or dry air causes it. It does not affect vision but can irritate you and look unappealing. Eye drops or surgery can treat it if necessary.
Pterygium
This tissue growth extends from the white part of the eye to the cornea. Exposure to UV rays, dust, wind, or dry air also causes it. It can distort or block vision. It can also irritate, inflame, or infect the eye. Eye drops or surgery can treat it if needed.
Cataracts
This is a clouding of the lens (the part of the eye that focuses light) that occurs with aging. It is one of the main contributors to blindness worldwide. UV rays can accelerate the formation of cataracts by damaging the proteins in the lens.
Cataracts can cause blurred vision, glare, halos, reduced color vision, and difficulty seeing at night. They are treatable with surgery to replace the lens with an artificial one.
Macular Degeneration
This is an age-related degeneration of the macula, the area of the retina that controls central vision. It is one of the reasons elderly folks lose their sight. By harming the retinal cells, UV radiation can impact proper function of the macular and induce degeneration.
This condition can cause distorted or blurred central vision, difficulty reading or recognizing faces, and dark spots in your vision. Although no cure for macular degeneration exists, interventions like injections or laser therapy can halt its progression.
Protecting Your Eyes
Wear sunglasses that block 99% or more of UVA and UVB rays. Wear them outdoors, even on cloudy or winter days. Pick sunglasses that fit well and cover your eyes. Also, do not look directly at the sun or bright lights.
Other ways to protect your eyes from UV rays include:
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shield your eyes and face
- Seek shade when possible
- Avoid tanning beds or sun lamps
- Add omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants to your diet
- Take supplements that support eye health
- Get regular eye exams
Conclusion
UV rays can damage your eyes and cause serious vision problems. But you can prevent or reduce their effects by following these simple tips. Remember to shield your eyes from UV radiation every day to preserve your sight.
For more on why UV protection is essential for the eyes, contact King Family Eye Care at our Old Saybrook or Rocky Hill, Connecticut office. Call 860-388-9300 or 860-258-2380, respectively, to schedule an appointment today.