How Sunlight Can Damage Our Eyes? Most Common Eye Risks from UV Exposure:
Imagine if something very simple as wearing sunglasses only or a hat can protect our eyes from losing their vision. We are oftenly forget to shield our eyes from the invisible but harmful UV rays.
Studies show that even a small, but a consistent efforts to protect our eyes can reduce the risk of vision problems we could face later in life. Let’s adopt some small habits today to keep seeing clearly for years to come.
Common Eye Diseases Linked to UV Exposure:
Most people do not think that long UV exposure is more than just an inconvenience—it’s a serious risk to eye health.
UV exposure can cause several eye diseases and that may lead to permanent vision loss. Let’s look at the three most common eye diseases associated with UV damage.
- Pterygium
- Cataract
- Macular degeneration
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Pterygium: Growth of Tissue on the Eye
Pterygium, commonly known as is a non-cancerous growth of tissue on the conjunctiva which is the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye. The cornea can be damaged by this growth which can cause irritation, redness, and blurred vision.
How UV Exposure Contributes to Pterygium
In outdoor environments where the sun’s rays reflect off surfaces like water, sand, or snow can cause abnormal tissue growth on the conjunctiva due to chronic UV exposure. This is why people like athletes, farmers, and outdoor workers—are at higher risk for developing pterygium because they spend long hours outdoors.
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Cataract: Clouding of the Eye’s Natural Lens
A cloudy lens of the eye occurs when the clear lens of the eye become opaque. The opaqueness of the lens makes it difficult for light to pass through it and reach the point in the retina.
The World Health Organization says that about 20 percent of cataract cases are caused by UV radiation. Here we also tell you that cataracts are a leading cause of vision impairment worldwide among old people.
How UV affects cataract:
UV rays, especially UVB rays, damage the proteins, tissues or fibers inside the lens. UV radiotions have the effect of clouding the lens, making the lens more prone to cataracts. Without proper UV protection, the damage can begin early, with cataract developing early even in young adults. Thanks to UV protection, this damage can be stop very quickly by now with a small change in our outdoor activities.
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Macular degeneration:
Macular degeneration is a condition that destroys the central part of the retina, called the macula. The UV exposure has become the basis for the damage of the central retina.
What strange phenomenon occurs in the presence of UV?
UV exposure, especially UVA rays, can damage pigments in the retina over time. Retina, which acts on light and sends the signals to the brain, is sensitive to UV radiation. From long-term UV exposure increases the risk of developing macular degeneration, especially as we age.
Common Myths About UV Protection
Let’s talk about a few myths regarding UV protection:
- “Only light colored eyes need protection.” Although some light colored eyes may be little more sensitive to UV light but the risk of UV damage still applies to everyone.
- ” I don’t need protection on cloudy days.” This is a big myth.
According to the American Optometrist Association, 80% of UV rays reach our eyes even in cloudy or shady days.
The simple solutions to protecting your eyes:
- “100% UVA/UVB protection” sunglasses don’t just look stylish, they also protect your eyes from UV damage. Keep a pair of glasses in hands before approach the door.
- Wearing a hat: A simple hat can block up to 50% of UV rays from reaching our eyes. There are some simple ways to cover your eyes with a hat.
- To protect children’s eyes: It is important to do this early. Children’s eyes absorb slightly more UV light than adult eyes, because the clearer their lenses, the more likely they are to be exposed to UV. Doing something quick with the habit of avoiding UV rays eye can protect our eye health.
- Be careful during peak UV hours: Between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., UV rays are most harmful. The advent of UV protection has become a blessing in disguise throughout our lives as we strive to protect our eyes.
Life Long benefits of UV Protection:
Wearing sunglasses or a hat may seem like a small step, but it’s an investment in future clarity and freedom. Every moment we take to protect our eyes adds up to a lifetime.
Studies estimate that routine UV protection can reduce the risk of certain eye diseases by about 25 percent. Imagine yourself decades from now, able to clearly see the faces of your loved ones and the world around you.
Every choice we make today is a step toward a future where our eyes remain strong and flexible.
Take action today!
Taking a small step toward lifelong vision health is easy: invest in a good pair of UV-blocking sunglasses, share this article with friends and family, and spread eye health awareness. Don’t wait for signs of damage to appear — start protecting your eyes now and encourage others to do the same.
To know about Diabetic Retinopathy, read this artical
To read more about Eyes, check out this website of American Academy of Ophthalmology
https://www.aao.org
