ultraviolet light of the sun
How sun rays affect your eye health Exposure to UV radiation from natural sunlight (as well as artificial sources) has been shown to be closely linked to a wide range of eye conditions. This includes cataracts, macular degeneration and skin cancer around the eye.
What are UV rays? Ultraviolet radiation is a type of light that is invisible to the human eye, and part of the spectrum that reaches us from the sun.
UV wavelengths are divided into three types: UVA, UVB and UVC. Most UVC from the sun’s rays is absorbed into the ozone layer, preventing it from reaching us on earth. UVA and UVB are both able to penetrate the earth’s atmosphere fully, with UVA making up around 95% of the total rays. Excessive exposure to UV rays can result in the front surface of the eye becoming damaged, much like sunburn on the skin. Without proper precautions, these rays can also have harmful cumulative effects that may develop over time. Too much exposure to UV rays may result in one or more of the following eye conditions:
Cataract: The lens inside the eye can become clouded, seriously obstructing normal vision.
Choosing sunglasses There are several precautions you can take in order to keep your eyes safe in the sun. The easiest way is to wear sunglasses when outdoors. When choosing your sunglasses, consider the following for eye safety:
• UV-blocking lenses: Always choose lenses that block 99 to 100% of UVA and UVB light. Also, check whether they block HEV light.
• Wraparound styles: Large, closely fitting frames are ideal for protection from the sun. Larger lenses also help to block more of the sunlight.
• Polarised lenses: Polarised lenses help to reduce glare, which can help prevent light-related headaches or migraines.
• Durability: It’s usually worth spending a little extra on sunglasses with solid build quality. Broken sunglasses won’t do the best job of protecting your eyes!
Sun safety Beyond sunglasses, there are a few other things to keep in mind when protecting your eyes from the sun:
• Hats: If you’re going outside when it’s sunny, it’s a good idea to wear a broad-rimmed hat, which helps to protect you from the sun.
• Don’t look into the sun: Never look directly at the sun, even if it doesn’t seem to be causing harm to your eyes at the time. It can be tempting to look during a solar eclipse, for example, but it can cause permanent damage to your eye’s retina.
• No protection from clouds: A cloudy day doesn’t mean there is no danger to your eyes. The sun’s UV rays can pass through haze and thin clouds
How does a cataract affect my vision?
When we’re young, the lens within our eye is usually clear. The development of a cataract is a gradual and painless process, and so the onset may be hard to spot. Due to the slow clouding of the lens, light is unable to reach the retina, and this results in vision that is slightly blurred or dull. Eventually, the lens may become frosted over, just like a steamy mirror. It’s highly likely that you’ll experience cataracts in both eyes, though in some cases the development will begin in one eye before the other.
What are the causes?
Whilst there is not a definitive answer as to why we are more likely to develop cataracts as we age, it’s believed that there are a number of things that can increase the risk:
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Family history
• Injury to the eye
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Over exposure to UV rays
• Long term use of steroids
What are the symptoms?
Aside from blurred vision and faded colours, you may notice the following:
• Sun/streetlights are brighter than normal
• Difficulty seeing in low-lighting conditions
• Headlights from vehicles are causing more glare than usual
• The need to clean your glasses, even though the lenses aren’t dirty If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, we suggest speaking to your Optician.
How are cataracts diagnosed?
Cataracts can be detected during a simple routine eye test. As Opticians look through your lens, they will be able to spot anything that is out of the ordinary. They’ll be able to determine how progressed the condition is and provide advice on management and treatment going forward. In some cases, your Optician may refer you for some further tests with an Ophthalmologist.
Can it be treated?
In the early stages, it’s possible that vision can be improved by changing the prescription in your glasses and adapting your lighting conditions to be brighter and more focused to the activity you’re carrying out, such as reading a book. However, if your cataracts have advanced and are affecting your ability to carry out simple tasks, your Optician may refer you for surgery. As everyone’s eyes are unique, you’ll have an initial assessment before surgery is booked to discuss the process and outcome.
Described to be a painless and effective procedure, the affected lens will be removed and switched with a clear, plastic replacement. Over 90% of cataracts operations have proven to be effective at restoring working vision. In advanced cases, cataracts can lead to sight loss if left untreated. If you ever feel like there are any changes to your sight, we strongly recommend that you speak to your Optician.
