Do you spend a lot of time outdoors in bright sunlight? Do you play outdoor sports? If you answered yes to either of those questions, you should be taking steps to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV radiation. If you douse yourself in sunscreen before you head outside, you’re doing a great job taking care of your skin. However, many people might not realize the harmful effect the sun can have on your eyes.
Three types of UV radiation are emitted from the sun, but only two are harmful. UV-A and UV-B radiation can have both short and long term effects on your eyes. If you are exposed to excessive amounts of UV radiation over a short period of time, you might experience photokeratitis. This is the medical name for “sunburn of the eye.” This condition affects the surface of your cornea and the conjunctiva, which is the cell layer that covers the inside of your eyelids and whites of your eye. You might experience the following symptoms if you have photokeratitis:
- Pain
- Redness
- Blurriness
- Tearing
- Gritty feeling
- Swelling
- Light sensitivity
- Headache
- Seeing halos
- Small pupils
- Eyelid twitching
- Temporary vision loss
If you are experiencing this painful condition, try placing a cold washcloth over your eyes. Then schedule an appointment with one of our optometrists to have him/her determine the best course of treatment.
The long term effects of UV exposure can result in cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, growths on the eye and other eye conditions. Follow these tips to keep yourself protected year round:
- Wear UV-blocking sunglasses. Midwest Eye Consultants has a great selection of stylish sunglasses that can protect your eyes.
- Wear broad-brimmed hats whenever you are outside.
- Never look directly at the sun. Remember that clouds do not block UV light, so sun damage can occur any time of year, not just in summer.
Sunlight can have its advantages. Exercise is great for eye health and according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, research shows that children that spend more time outside exposed to daylight may reduce their risk of developing nearsightedness.
Thank you for your tip to never look directly at the sun. I didn’t know that I could get sun damage even when it isn’t summer. I just moved to another state and so I need a new eye care doctor. I’ll be sure to follow these tips so I don’t damage my eyes any further.
Thanks for your comment Skylar!