Posted by: Eye Health Northwest in General Eye Health on July 23, 2024
During July, we observe UV Safety Month at EyeHealth Northwest. This is a great time to learn more about how sun exposure can affect the health of your eyes.
Protecting your eyes from UV rays can preserve healthy vision and reduce the risk of certain cancers. Keep reading to learn more about UV Safety Month and how awareness can help your eyes stay healthy.
What is UV Light?
UV light is a form of electromagnetic radiation that makes up the light from the sun. There are three wavelengths of UV light, two of which are prevalent in the light that shines on us every day.
UVA
UVA is the wavelength responsible for increasing the effects of aging, such as wrinkles and sunspots.
UVB
UVB emits slightly more energy than UVA and can damage your DNA directly. UVB is responsible for sunburns and most UV-related cancers.
How Can UV Exposure Affect Eye Health?
Both UVA and UVB wavelengths can penetrate the tissue of the eyes, causing damage to the delicate structures of the eyeball and the skin around the eyes. Too much exposure to UV light can accelerate age-related eye problems and increase the risk of certain cancers.
Cataracts
Cataracts are very common, especially in older adults. They occur when the natural lens of the eye becomes clouded and affects vision.
Excessive UV exposure can speed the progression of cataracts, causing the effects to be noticeable sooner. However, cataract surgery is the only way to effectively treat cataracts permanently.
Cancer
UV exposure increases the risk of skin cancer. The skin around the eyes is thin, delicate, and prone to sun damage. Skin cancers on the eyelid or near the eye must be surgically removed.
Growths on the Eye
People who spend a lot of time in the sun without UV protection are at increased risk for growths in the eye, such as pterygium or pinguecula.
Pterygium, also called surfer’s eye growth, extends from the white of the eye to the clear tissue called the cornea, which covers the iris and pupil. Pinguecula is a protein and fat deposit that appears in the white part of the eye. They can cause irritation and discomfort, and may need to be surgically removed.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a condition where the macula, an area in the center of the eye, becomes damaged over time. Some research suggests that excessive UV exposure can increase the risk of macular degeneration.
How to Protect Eyes from UV Exposure
During UV Awareness Month and all year long, we encourage you to take common-sense safety precautions to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. These include:
Wearing Sunglasses
One of the easiest ways to protect your eyes is by wearing sunglasses. Look for lenses that filter out both UVA and UVA rays. If you have questions about the best kind of sunglasses for your needs, ask your eye doctor at EyeHealth Northwest for recommendations.
Staying in the Shade
Avoiding direct sunlight can help reduce the amount of time you are exposed to UV rays. Sitting in shady areas or wearing a hat with a brim can shield your face and eyes from the sun.
Applying Sunscreen
Be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your face, including the skin around your eyes. A formula without fragrances may be more gentle on the sensitive skin of your eyelids. Put sunscreen on every time you go outdoors, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or strenuous activity.
Do you want to learn more about protecting your eyes from the sun? Schedule an appointment at EyeHealth Northwest in Portland, OR, today!
