Photokeratitis is a serious eye condition you can get from one simple act: wearing a poor or ill-fitting pair of sunglasses. Some celebrities are also guilty of this act all in the name of fashion. But do you know photokeratitis can do more than just affect your eyesight? Read and learn more about this medical condition, and how you can avoid this while still being fashionable.
Photokeratitis And Eye Health | Finding the Right Pair of Shades
What Is Photokeratitis?
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), photokeratitis is a medical condition likened to a “sunburned eye.” The clear front window of the eye (the thin surface layer of the cornea) and the cell layer that covers the whites of your eyes and the inside of your eyelids (conjunctiva) are usually affected by this condition. This is caused by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays reflected off sand, ice, water, snow, and even from tanning beds.
The most common form of photokeratitis is snow blindness. People who live in the North and South Pole areas, or in high mountains, are prone to this condition. If you are into extreme winter sports or is constantly in cold to freezing conditions, you are at a higher risk for snow blindness. Patients who suffer this condition experience excruciating pain caused by inflammation.
What Are the Symptoms of Photokeratitis?
Photokeratitis is not usually noticed unless the eye sustains considerable damage. You’ll definitely notice some of the symptoms if you have photokeratitis:
- some temporary color changes or halos in your vision
- sensitivity to bright or blinding light
- swelling and tearing of the eyes
- headaches
- eyelid twitching
In rare cases, patients with photokeratitis experience temporary vision loss.
Sunglasses Fashion and Eye Health
Fashion has somewhat influenced the utilitarian shape and purpose of everyday items, including sunglasses. When we think about buying a pair, we pay attention to how they look flattering first and consider eye protection second. AAO said while this may be important, people should also pay attention to the pair’s capacity to block 100 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays, especially during the winter season.
But even celebrities do not follow this important advice. Some stars even use a specific pair as part of their signature profile without weighing the consequences. Below are three celebrity mistakes you should avoid when it comes to wearing sunglasses.
Top Three Celebrity Mistakes
John Lennon is known for his small frame sunglasses. His signature pair can only cover the front area of his eyes, leaving the sides exposed to natural elements like wind, sun, and even dirt. While this particular pair is comfortable and light, this pair of sunglasses will not protect anyone from unwanted UV light. Moreover, the very minimal protection exposes any wearer to sunlight on the sides of the eyes.
Some celebrities like Jack Nicholson popularize the use of sunglasses that are too dark and too large. Most use this type of sunglasses to shield their eyes and disguise themselves from the paparazzi. But did you know some dark glasses can cause greater damage to the eyes? Using dark glasses, especially for long periods of time, can cause your pupils to dilate and receive more harmful UV light.
For people who are allergic to metal or are not fond of wearing sunglasses, like CNN’s Anderson Cooper, you run a serious risk of developing photokeratitis compared to others who wear them. Even if there’s no sun, surfaces like sand and water can still reflect these harmful rays. Cooper learned it the hard way when he was in Portugal for a trip.
Things to Look in a Pair of Sunglasses
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to buy sunglasses that protect your eyes. Get a pair that offers 100 percent UV protection and with lens that covers not just your eyes, but also extends a bit wider than your face. The frame should also be at level with your eyes and eyebrows and should sit nicely and shouldn’t fall even with a slight nudge. A proper pair of sunglasses will also make sure your pupils are aligned close to the center of your lens.
If you are looking for sunglasses that come with other features, make sure they have UV protection. Polarized sunglasses can only cut light glare, but not necessarily UV. If you like more colorful sunglasses, the increase in contrast might cause unnecessary discomfort for some people.
Watch this YouTube video by Business Insider on why UV protection is essential in your pair of sunglasses:
When seeking protection against UV light, always remember to consider your eyes. Just as we use sunscreen on our skin, a pair of sunglasses with UV protection reduces our chances of eye damage, especially photokeratitis. Looking good may be important to you, but health is also essential. Also, you don’t need to break the bank on sunglasses to find a pair that offers UV protection at a good price.
What safety precautions do you practice to avoid photokeratitis? Share them with us in the comments section below!
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Editor’s Note – This post was originally published on July 27, 2017, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
