Sky Blue Filter

The Sun is Out, the Sky is Blue … Don’t Let Sun Damaged Eyes Spoil Your View

Sun’s rays to blame for Eye Damage

It’s commonly known that exposure to the sun can cause skin damage. However, it’s not only the skin that can suffer from the increased levels of ultraviolet radiation to which we are exposed during the summer months; our eyes can be at great risk too.

Prolonged exposure to UV rays can be to blame for various eye disorders, including cataracts and even cancer.

UV radiation levels are three times higher in June, July and August than during the winter. Worse still, between 10am and 3pm and at high altitudes such as ski resorts, the levels are amplified.

The Effects of UV Light

Exposure to intense levels of UV light, especially that which is reflected off snow, water or sand, can result in the surface of the eye being burnt, just like the skin. Whilst the burns are usually temporary, they can still produce irritating and uncomfortable symptoms such as:

• Swelling of the eyes

• A ‘gritty’ feeling in the eyes

• Excessive watering and blinking

• An inability to handle bright lights

• The possibility of ‘snow blindness’, a form of temporary blindness

However, long term exposure to UV light can have far more dangerous connotations, such as damage to the cornea and conjunctiva, as well as the lens and retina.

This damage can lead to the development of cataracts; cancer of the conjunctiva (the membrane that covers the eye); and skin cancer of the eyelids.

Research

Additionally, and perhaps more worryingly, research has shown that prolonged exposure to the sun could lead to age-related macular degeneration, a sight-related disorder that can lead to blindness.

The research was carried out at the University of Wisconsin Medical School in Madison, USA. Over 3,600 patients between the ages of 43 and 86 were monitored for five years, and 2,700 for 10 years.

Those participants who spent more than five hours a day in the sun during their teens and thirties and as the study commenced were found to be three times more likely to develop increased retinal pigment, a trait associated with age-related macular degeneration.

These same patients were also found to be twice as likely to develop early age-related macular degeneration over a period of 10 years compared to those who spent less than two hours a day in the sun.

However, and quite importantly, results also showed that those participants who spent the most time in the sun stood around a 50% lower risk of developing age-related macular degeneration symptoms when they wore sunglasses and hats for at least half the time spent in the sun.

How to protect the eyes from sun damage

1. Wear sunglasses

The most obvious – and most effective – way to protect the eyes from UV rays.

Choose sunglasses that offer at least 95% UV protection with a lens tint that blocks 80% of transmissible light. Don’t opt for lenses that block any more than 92% of light however, because this can affect the ability to see properly.

Choose a close fitting pair of sunglasses, with lenses that sit close to the eyes. Wrap-around frames prevent light entering the eyes from all angles and make a wise choice for those who will be spending a number of hours in the sun. For holidaymakers, polarised lenses offer the added benefit of reducing glare from water, ski slopes and sand.

Lens colour also makes a difference: grey lenses are ideal for driving because they do not distort primary colours. Green lenses are good on overcast days as they allow the maximum amount of useful light to reach the eyes. For better protection against glare and more pronounced detail, choose brown lenses.

Most prescriptive sunglasses these days have built in UVA and UVB protection. Check for the word filtered on the tag. Transitional lenses that are clear indoors and dark outdoors form another option for the prescription lens wearer.

2. Wear a hat

A broad brimmed hat can further reduce exposure to UV rays by shading the eyes.

3. Wear UV blocking contact lenses alongside sunglasses

UV blocking contact lenses can help protect against the transmission of harmful UV rays to the cornea and inner eye. However, there is no evidence as yet that wearing UV blocking contact lenses reduces the risk of developing cataracts or preventing other eye disorders.

These lenses are not a replacement for UV absorbing sunglasses, but, when worn with sunglasses, they can block a large amount of the UV rays that reach the eyes through the open spaces around sunglasses.

4. Minimise exposure to UV rays

Reduce time spent in the sun between 10am and 3pm, and during the summer months. Additionally, avoid sun lamps and tanning beds.

5. Watch what you eat

A diet rich in a variety of fruit and vegetables will provide a boost of antioxidants which can promote good eye health. At times of increased exposure to the sun, such as when on holiday abroad, ensure a good amount of these foods are included in the daily diet.

About the Author

Ruby Hashim is a fully qualified optician. She owns and runs The Eye Academy (www.theeyeacademy.com), an independent Opticians practice with branches in Windsor and Guildford, southeast England. Both practices combine clinical excellence with the ultimate in fashion, offering an extensive range of designer name-brand frames. Their strong clinical focus; wide range of specialist services that are not typically found in other high street Opticians; exceptionally high standards of patient care and continuous investment in new technology gives them the edge over their competitors and is the reason that their largest source of new customers is personal recommendations.

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