Protect your eyes from the sun

Sunlight increases the risk of eye diseases

Effects of sunlight on the eyes

Ophthalmological studies warn that overexposure to UV rays increases the risk of eye diseases, including cataracts, eye tumors, and cancer. Too much exposure to UV rays reflected off snow surfaces can also quickly cause eye damage, a condition known as snow blindness.

For example, pterygium can appear in adolescents, especially in surfers, skiers, fishermen, farmers, or anyone who works long hours in the sunlight during the day or near rivers, oceans, or mountains where UV rays are often present.

Diseases like cataracts or eye cancer can take years to develop, but every time we go out without eye protection, we increase our risk of developing these dangerous diseases. That's why people of all ages should take precautions when going out.

The eyes can be affected immediately or over time after absorbing the ultraviolet rays in sunlight. Many parts of the eye are affected by ultraviolet rays, including the eyelids, conjunctiva (the white part of the eye), cornea (the front part of the eye), lens (the nucleus of the eye) and retina (the part of the inner eye that acts like a film to receive the images we see).

On the eyelids, sunlight can cause several types of eyelid tumors, especially eyelid cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma.

For the conjunctiva and cornea, exposure to ultraviolet rays of excessive intensity can cause corneal burns with symptoms such as irritation, discomfort, redness, glare, and watery eyes, which usually improve after 48 hours. In the long term, ultraviolet rays can cause pterygium or “yellow grains” in the conjunctiva. Gradually, the pterygium grows into the cornea and affects vision. “Xanthema” are small yellow patches in the conjunctiva and usually do not affect vision.

Cataracts have many causes, are common in the elderly, and lead to blindness, especially in countries that lack the capacity and facilities for cataract surgery and artificial lens replacement. There are three basic types of cataracts: cortical, nuclear, and posterior capsular. Many epidemiological studies have shown that prolonged exposure to sunlight gradually causes cortical cataracts.

Looking directly at the sun for long periods of time, especially around midday, can cause retinal burns (photoretinitis). This condition is also common after viewing a solar eclipse without protective eyewear. In addition, age-related macular degeneration - the most common cause of blindness in developed countries - is also thought to be related to prolonged exposure to sunlight (the macula is located in the center of the retina, where we see colors and images of objects most clearly).

What to do?

The most important measure to avoid the harmful effects of sunlight on the eyes is to avoid direct exposure to sunlight, especially from 11am to 4pm, which is the time when there are the most ultraviolet rays. Therefore, for some occupations that require outdoor work, it is necessary to arrange the work reasonably, it is best to work before 11am and after 4pm.

When forced to work under the sun, shade should be created such as building a tent, using an umbrella, etc. There should be means of sun protection such as wearing a wide-brimmed hat, using a scarf to cover your face, wearing glasses with UV protection, etc.

Sun damage to the eyes can happen any time of year, not just in the summer, so always wear UV-protective sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat when you go outside.

According to Health and Life