Sun Safety for Your Eyes: The Importance of UV Protection

HVA • 1 week ago

UV rays are not just harmful to your skin. They are harmful to your eyes as well.

This is why everyone must know the importance of sun safety and UV eye protection. You never forget to apply sunblock because you know that one day, without it, your skin will look dull, dry, and remarkably aged.

So why do you forget to shield your eyes and wear protective eyewear for UV rays? It is important to start incorporating UV eye protection in your everyday routine, especially from a young age, as years of exposure to ultraviolet rays can result in eye diseases, tumors, and even blindness.

What is UV Light?

UV rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation. They are not visible to the human eye because it has a very short wavelength. It is due to this reason that UV radiation easily penetrates the eye tissues, increasing the risk of eye problems.

There are three types of UV light: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C.

UV-A causes aging of the skin. It has the least energy, but exposure to UV-A causes long-term effects such as wrinkles, sunspots, and even skin cancers.

UV-B has slightly more energy than UV-A, which is why it damages the DNA directly, causes sunburn, and is related to most skin cancers.

UV-C has the most energy out of all types of UV lights. However, it is mostly blocked by the ozone layers. But UV-C doesn’t only come from the sun. It is emitted from welding torches, UV sanitizing bulbs, and other artificial light sources. UV-C can easily penetrate the skin and damage cell DNA beyond repair, increasing the skin cancer risk.

The Importance of UV Eye Protection and Sun Protection for Your Eyes

UV radiation can come from natural sunlight as well as artificial indoor rays.

Many people think that the only time they are exposed to UV rays is when they step outdoors. However, your eyes are as vulnerable to these harmful rays when you are relaxing in your lounge or office.

But How Do UV Rays Actually Harm Your Eyes?

UV radiation damages your eye’s surface tissues, as well as the lens and cornea. It raises the risks of eye diseases or blindness. Here are some of the most common problems that arise due to a lack of UV eye protection;

Abnormal Growths on the Eye

Pterygium is a fleshy overgrowth of the thin, clear membrane on your eye called conjunctiva. Pterygium appears on the surface of the eyes and most commonly shows up in fishermen, surfers, skiers, farmers, and other people who spend long hours under the sun or near water bodies.

Eye Cancers

UV rays cause a rare type of eye cancer. This eye cancer is known as conjunctival melanoma, and it is strikingly similar to cutaneous (skin) melanoma. And the genetic changes that occur with it are attributed to UV radiation. There is another type of melanoma of the eye, although rare, known as uveal melanoma, which is also caused by UV rays.

Cataracts

Cataracts are caused by aging or injury. However, each time you go out in the sun without eye protection, you increase the chance of cataract formation. Both UV-A and UV-B increase the risk of cataract formation, and the radiation also leads to impaired vision or permanent blindness.

Snow Blindness

Inadequate UV eye protection also causes another condition, Snow blindness, a form of photokeratitis. Eye damage caused by UV rays is very common in high mountainous areas and in the North and South Poles, where there is lesser protection from this radiation due to thinner air.

How to Protect Your Eyes from UV Radiation

Sunlight has many beneficial effects on the body. For example, sunlight regulates a healthy sleep cycle, is linked to stronger bones, and prevents nearsightedness, especially in kids.

However, do not forget to protect your skin and eyes from the harmful UV rays that can reach you even when you are indoors.

Protective eyewear for UV rays and a hat are the most effective way to protect your eyes from harmful UV radiation. Choose sunglasses that block most of the light and help you feel well. As far as the hat is concerned, it must have a dark brim, which reduces glare and shades your eyes from the sun.

The sun is the strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. Try to remain indoors during this part of the day. Checking the local weather forecast will let you know about the UV index, which will determine how intense the radiation will be so that you can take appropriate measures against it.

UV radiation can also be high on cloudy days, so don’t forget your hats and sunglasses even when there is no sunlight.

Many sunglasses provide 100% UV protection, which is called UV400. Make sure to check your sunglasses for this type of protection, especially if you live in the North Pole or South Pole. Some other sun safety and UV eye protection tips are;

● Use sunscreen, especially with an SPF of 30 or higher

● Choose high-quality sunglasses that offer adequate UV eye protection

● Wear clear glasses that block UV rays

● Hydrate your eyes to prevent dryness and stress

● Cover up as soon as you are in direct sunlight

● Wear covering clothing if you are wearing shirts with short sleeves or shorts.

● Wear sunglasses that prevent glare, especially when driving

● Protect children and adults from sunlight, as they are most vulnerable to UV rays

● Wear goggles when specifically going for indoor tanning

● Spend time indoors between 11 am and 3 pm.

Exposure to sunlight can have good effects on your body, but prolonged exposure without protection against the UV rays can result in dire consequences. The ultraviolet rays also damage the eyes and cause blindness, tumors, or age-related macular degeneration, which is why you must prioritize sun safety and UV eye protection to protect your eyes, whether you are inside the house or outside. Visit Healthy Vision Association for more eye care tips and expert advice.