UV Rays and Their Damaging Effects on your Eyes

UV or ultra violet rays are a type of radiation produced by the sun which can lead to problems like sunburn, eye damage, skin damage and premature aging. But very few people are aware of the fact that the tissue that makes up the human eye is the most sensitive and thus, the most vulnerable.

Upon the exposure of the sun’s rays, your eyes become susceptible to various diseases over time. Like,

Cataracts

A problem which involves clouding of the lenses disabling you to see clearly. It is caused by overexposure of UV rays and may lead to blindness.

Macular Degeneration

This involves deterioration of the central portion of the retina due to overexposure of UV light. This can also lead to blindness.

Pterygium

It is characterized by the growth of pink fleshy tissue on the conjunctiva. Over time, it can get worse and cover your pupil, causing vision problems.

Photokeratitis

Also known as ultraviolet keratitis, a painful eye condition involves sunburn of the eyes. People involved in activities like skiing and climbing at high altitudes are at a higher risk of photokeratitis as the reflection of UV radiation through snow can reach up to 80 percent.

Ways to Protect Eyes from UV Radiation

To minimize the chances of developing such major eye related problems, you must take the following steps to protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays of the sun:

1. Protective Accessories- Whenever you are stepping out in the sun, do not forget to carry these essentials- a hat and a pair of sunglasses. Although, you will find varied types of lenses in sunglasses like UV protected, anti-glare, polarized, photochromic, etc., you need to choose which one will do the trick for you. Polarized sunglasses are a great option too.

1. Sports Eyewear- If you are a sportsperson involved in activities like cycling, jogging, biking, swimming, etc., there are special types of sunglasses available for these sports. So, always wear them whenever indulging in any sport to protect your eyes from chemical, dust and of course, UV radiation.

If you spend most of your time staying outdoors, you should opt for wraparound sunglasses as they offer a wide coverage to your eyes unlike regular sunglasses. And, now, when you know how UV light can be harmful to your eyes, you should implement these steps in your daily routine to shield your eyes from the damage.