The Importance of Eye Protection from the Sun
The recent period of clear skies and sunshine has been a welcome change for many, but it’s crucial to remember that the sun can have significant effects on our health, particularly on our eyes. While many people are quick to apply sunscreen when temperatures rise, eye protection often gets overlooked.
Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu, clinical adviser at The College of Optometrists, highlights the importance of protecting our eyes from UV exposure. “The eyes are a very delicate structure that enable you to see, and there are some effects related to UV exposure that can be harmful to the eyes,” he explains. “We want to make sure that people’s eyes remain healthy, so just like you would protect your skin from sunburn, especially during the summer months or when the UV levels are high between March and October, it’s also really important to protect your eyes.”
Short-Term Effects of UV Exposure on the Eyes
One of the short-term effects of high UV exposure is photokeratitis, which is essentially a sunburn of the eye. “This can be really painful and symptoms can include acute redness, watering, light sensitivity, and blurred vision,” says Bilkhu. “These symptoms usually occur in both eyes because both eyes usually have the same level of UV exposure.”
He adds that this doesn’t just happen during sunny weather but can also occur at high altitudes, especially while skiing. “The sun doesn’t just come directly from the top while skiing; it also bounces from the ground on water, snow, and ice,” he explains. “It’s important to remember that UV levels can be high and cause damage even if the weather is overcast.”
Another short-term issue is dry eyes. “Heat in the air, whether you’re outdoors or indoors, is more likely to cause evaporation from the surface of the eye, which is why people are more likely to experience dryness of the eye in warmer climates,” says Bilkhu.
Long-Term Risks of UV Exposure
In the long term, high levels of UV exposure to the eye over a prolonged period can increase the risk of skin cancers around the eye. “One of the most common types of skin cancer is called basal cell carcinoma, which, although relatively slow-growing, does risk serious damage to the eye,” Bilkhu notes.
UV exposure is also linked to eye diseases such as cataract formation. “If you spend a lot more time outdoors and the yearly levels are high, you’re more likely to get a more severe case of cataracts at an earlier age,” he explains. “Similarly, there’s also been a link associated between yearly UV exposure and the development and severity of macular degeneration, which, if left untreated, can lead to permanent vision loss.”
Tips for Protecting Your Eyes
Here are some key tips for protecting your eyes from UV exposure:
Check the UV index: Most weather websites or apps will have a UV index. When the levels are above three, it’s time to take precautions. “I would argue that this is also the time to take action about protecting your eyes by wearing good-quality sunglasses,” advises Bilkhu.
Get any symptoms checked out by a professional: If you experience any symptoms, it’s essential to consult an eye health professional. “Contact your local optometrist and make sure you get an appointment with them to examine your eyes,” recommends Bilkhu.
Choose good-quality sunglasses: “A lot of people assume that with sunglasses, the darker the tint the more protection it will provide, but this is actually a myth,” says Bilkhu. “It’s more important to look out for two key marks, either the CE mark or the UKCA mark, as that shows that the sunglasses have been manufactured to British standards to ensure it protects you against harmful UV light.”
Wear a wide-brimmed hat: “Make sure you wear a wide-brimmed hat as well, particularly if you’re vulnerable to sunburn, because that acts as an extra level of protection,” recommends Bilkhu.
Consider a wrap-around style of sunglasses: “Consider a wrap-around style of sunglasses because you’re more likely to get better protection with these as they will block the UV lights coming from the side,” says Bilkhu.
- Attend regular eye tests: “Even if you don’t have any symptoms, make sure that you attend regular eye tests with your local optometrist, which are usually every two years,” says Bilkhu. “That is the best way to spot not only eye problems, but also health problems as well.”
Conclusion
Protecting your eyes from the sun is just as important as protecting your skin. By following these simple steps, you can help maintain the health of your eyes and reduce the risk of long-term damage. Remember to check the UV index, wear quality sunglasses, and visit your optometrist regularly for comprehensive eye care.
