After dealing with the abnormally cold temperatures, we are all ready to explore out and play in the sun! Hang on though, until you dash outside, have you taken the crucial precautions to guard your eyes against ultraviolet rays?
Shorter wavelengths of light have higher energy, which can cause further damage. One of the ultraviolet wavelengths, UV-C is consumed by our atmosphere. The two remaining wavelengths that hit people UV-A and UV-B, could lead to damage to the body and eye tissue.
The sunlight can cause damage to multiple parts of your eyes, they’re as following:
Eyelids — just as any other epithelial tissue in your body, the eyelids tend to be sensitized to skin cancer. The skin around the eye is very sensitive and thin.
Cornea– When the cornea in the eye is irritated it’s generally called keratitis. Keratitis is classified depending on the infection, as an instance, if it is the result of bacterial infection it’s known as bacterial keratitis, or say if it’s caused by the herpes virus it is known as herpetic keratitis. There’s really keratitis classified because of photokeratitis, meaning that it is caused by light rays. Think of photokeratitis such as a painful sunburn… .but on your eye. A photokeratitis is extremely uncomfortable and can suffer from symptoms of pain, light sensitivity, watering, redness, etc..
Lens– The lens absorbs some of those UV wavelengths that enter the eye. Eye lens acts as a protective layer to the retina. Regrettably, as soon as the lens absorbs UV beams it causes biochemical modifications to the proteins inside the lens that leads to cataracts.
Note: Cataracts can further cause decreased vision and nebulous vision. Cataract surgery is a frequent procedure that occurs within industrialized countries but cataracts are a significant cause of blindness around the whole world.
Retina/Macula — The macula is the guts of best vision and can be responsible for seeing details and color. After the retina is exposed to UV light, it raises the likelihood of developing ARMD (https://healingtheeye.com/category/blog/macular-degeneration/).
Following some steps can prevent the harmful effects of UV radiation. The following things may be done to reduce UV exposure:
-
If a brimmed hat is worn appropriately with all the brim above the eyelids it can reduce your exposure to UV to 22-95%.
-
Wear sunglasses which state they are 100 percent UV-A/UV-B protective. If the UV protection isn’t notable on the lenses then they might increase ocular damage because the tinted lenses cause the pupil to dilate more leading to greater ultraviolet rays penetrating the eye. The most appropriate sunglasses should be UV protective and possess a blue-blocking antireflective coating.
-
If sunglasses aren’t fitting appropriately, UV light can penetrate. It’s very important to assist a professional optician to find the ideal set of sunglasses and the best lenses to protect the eyes.
Ultraviolet rays can harm many parts of your eyes. Before you roam outside this spring season, make sure you find the best sunglasses and a brimmed hat to protect your eyes!