UV Rays

Sun worshippers, cover your eyes!

Studies have shown that permanent damage to the eyes can result from prolonged exposure to the sun without adequate protection. Ultra violet (UV) light is the component of sunlight most responsible for eye damage. Excessive exposure, especially from light reflected from sand, snow or pavement, can produce a burn on the surface of the eye. Like a sunburn on the skin, eye surface burns are usually painful, but temporary.

Of more concern is the cumulative damage of repeated exposure that may contribute to chronic eye disease. UV exposure can affect not only its surface, but also its internal structures (the lens and retina).

UV light is a risk factor in the development of pterygium (a growth that invades the corner of the eyes), cataracts (clouding of the lens) and macular degeneration (breakdown of the macula).

Those at risk include people who spend a lot of time in the sun, those who live at high altitudes or near the equator, and those who take photosensitizing drugs such as psoralens (used to treat psoriasis), tetracycline, doxycycline, allopurinol or phothiazine.

During cataract surgery, the natural lens is removed and replaced with a synthetic lens. Newer intraocular lens implants filter UV radiation. This eliminates any concern about UV eye protection after cataract surgery.

To protect your eyes from the sunlight, it is recommended that you wear a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses that filter out 99-100 per cent of the UV light.