Importance of UV Protection for Eyes

Wearing sunglasses has become a fashion statement. But do you know how important it is to protect your eyes from sunlight? On a sunny day, the sun emits harmful UVA, UVB, and UVC radiation. The protective ozone layer filters out the UVC. Both UVA and UVB can cause irreparable eye damage.


Even when the sun is not hot, you can get damage from UV rays. They bounce off the ground, snow, buildings, sand, and other reflective materials. It is very important to protect your eyes from UV rays. Here are the reasons why UV protection from the eyes is important.

 

UV Rays Have Been Linked to Cataracts Formation

When living cells absorb oxygen and other fuels to produce energy, oxidative stress is a possible outcome. When cataracts form in the eye, the lens goes through oxidative damage. UV light damages proteins in the retina in a glycation process. They cause oxidative stress in the eyes. Therefore, it is always important to protect your eyes from UV rays.

 

UV Rays from Tanning Beds Can Cause Keratitis

Apart from UV rays from the sun, you should protect your eyes from all other UV light. Excessive exposure to UV rays from tanning beds, welding machines, and other sources of UV light causes keratitis. The UV light burns the cornea, which can lead to irreparable damages.

 

It Increases the Risk of Getting Pterygium

Pterygium is a condition in which the outside of the eye is inflamed, and it grows toward the center of the eye. Too much exposure to UV rays causes these growths. People who work outdoors in sunny environments are at a higher risk of contracting pterygium.

 

UV Rays Have a Role in Macular Degeneration

Exposure to harmful UV rays causes macular degeneration. This is a condition in which the macular in the cornea is affected causing blurry vision. UV rays exposure causes sunburn in the cornea. It proceeds to damage the retina and the nerve endings in the eye. This may result in farsightedness as well as an irreparable loss of vision.

 

UV Rays Cause Ocular Surface Inflammation and Scarring

Short-term exposure to UV radiation causes a burning irritation to the eyes. It is similar to a sunburn on the skin. Your eyes feel red, itchy, and you may feel as though there is debris in them. The condition may fix itself in the short term. However, long-term exposure to UV rays causes cataracts and macular degeneration. UV radiation causes skin cancer.

 

UV Radiation Is the Leading Cause of Skin Cancer

The common UV-induced cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, or melanoma. Studies show that long-term exposure to UV rays causes melanoma. Eyelids are a common site for UV-induced cancer.

 

If you are exposed to UV light at work, or if you spend lots of time outdoors, it is wise to invest in a good UV protection habit. Get sunglasses with a prescribed UV block. If you use contact lenses, get ones that have a UV protection tint.

 

Find out more on how to protect your eyes from UV rays, contact Family Eye Clinic in Midlothian, Texas at (972) 775-8000 to book an appointment.