Healthy Eyes Begin With Sun Protection
When it comes to conditions caused by harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun, individuals are quick to mention skin cancer. However, it's important to note that the eyes are delicate organs which are also very susceptible to sun damage.
UV rays are high-energy, invisible rays of light. These rays can warm up the planet and promote life. However, they can also be detrimental to areas of the body when overexposure occurs. When absorbed by the eyes, UV rays can create eye ailments or contribute to existing conditions.
One of the common side effects of too much eye exposure to UV rays is retinal damage. To understand the damage, one must first understand the role the retina plays in the eye.
The retina is responsible for taking the light and shadows the eye "sees" and converting this information into the electrical impulses that are sent to the brain to form the "picture" in front of us. The retina is sort of the film inside of a camera. The macula is the most sensitive part of the retina. It is responsible for the fine detail we see. Without the macula, the images from our eyes would be blurry.
When the eyes are damaged from the sun, the retina can be compromised. Depending upon the damage, vision may become blurred or distorted. Vision loss may also occur.
Retinal damage isn't the only damage that can occur from sun exposure. Cataracts, the result of gradually accumulating damage to the proteins of the lens, can also be caused by sun damage. This is often the case when UV exposure occurs from an early age. Pterygium, or tissue growth on the whites of the eyes that can compromise vision, may also occur from UV exposure.
When it comes to cancer, many believe that melanoma of the skin is the only reaction to UV rays. However, although rare, melanoma can also occur in the eyes.
The best way to prevent sun-related eye damage is to stay out of the sun. Naturally this is not possible at all times. In these cases, sunglasses that offer at least 95 percent UV (blocking UVA and UVB radiation) protection are vital to eye health. Also, choose a tint on the sunglasses that blocks 80 percent of transmissible light, but no more than 90 to 92 percent of light, say eye experts. Look for lenses that block visible blue light and are large and closely fitted to the face.
One safety warning to heed, especially when purchasing sunglasses for children, is to skip ordinary sunglasses that have no UV protection. The dark lenses may actually enable the eye's pupil to dilate and let in more harmful UV radiation.