Eye Health: UV protection

THE IMPORTANCE OF PROTECTING EYES FROM THE SUN

Just as you protect your skin from the strong midday sunlight by applying sunscreen, it is as important to safeguard your eyes and vision. The ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun can cause short-term as well as long-term damage to the ocular tissues. Short-term damage may go unobserved, but long-term damage can lead to eye diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Therefore, it is important to protect your eyes to preserve your vision and maintain optimal eye health. 

ULTRAVIOLET RAYS AND THEIR RISKS:

There are two categories of UV rays: UV-A and UV-B having short wavelengths. UV-A rays target the macula (a part of the retina) of your eyes, and UV-B rays cause extensive damage to your eyes by getting absorbed by your lenses and cornea. The source of UV radiation is not just the sunlight; other UV spectrum lights and tanning beds are the sources you could encounter. 

Your eyes need to last longer, but even a short exposure to UV rays can make your eyes vulnerable to long-term damage. Prolonged exposure to the UV rays leads to the following conditions:

• Pinguecula: A non-cancerous yellowish growth that forms on the conjunctiva.

• Snow Blindness: It is caused by immediate exposure to UV-B rays reflecting off of water, sand, or snow. Snow blindness is also known as corneal sunburns.

• Cataracts: A condition in which the lens of your eyes becomes clouded is called cataracts. If left untreated, it leads to vision loss.

• Macular Degeneration: It is caused by damage to the central area of the retina by UV radiations.

TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR EYES FROM THE SUN

• Avoid direct contact with the sun, as well as reflected rays. Reflected UV rays are also harmful because they directly reflect into your eyes. Therefore, get a hat to shade your eyes. Wide-brimmed hats are a better option because they provide good base protection.

• Opt for sunglasses, which protect your eyes by blocking 100% of UV rays.

• Go for those contact lenses, which adjust according to the brightness of the light. You can ask more from your optometrist.

IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR EYE EXAMINATIONS

An eye exam is more than just clearing up your vision. Here are some of the reasons for getting an eye exam yearly:

• Detection Of Ocular Diseases: An eye exam can detect any sign of ocular disease so that your optometrist can detect the symptoms early. Some common ocular disorders include:

  • Diabetic retinopathy

  • Glaucoma

  • Cataracts

  • Macular degeneration

• Detection Of Other Health Problems: An eye exam can detect different health problems such as cholesterol, cancer, diabetes, or hypertension