Yes, UV radiation from the sun can damage your eyes. This damage can be temporary, like photokeratitis (sunburn of the eye), or long-term, leading to serious eye conditions.
Here's how UV light affects your eyes:
- UV rays age all structures of the eye. This includes the cornea, lens, and macula.
- UV light can cause damage to the surface tissues of the eye, cornea, and lens. This can lead to various problems, including:
- Photokeratitis: Painful, temporary eye damage caused by UV exposure.
- Cataracts: Cloudy patches on the lens, affecting vision.
- Macular Degeneration: Damage to the macula, leading to central vision loss.
- UV exposure is linked to eyelid cancers. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are two types of cancer commonly associated with UV exposure.
To protect your eyes from UV damage:
- Wear sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays.
- Choose sunglasses with large lenses that wrap around your eyes.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat for added protection.
- Avoid direct sunlight during peak hours, between 10 am and 4 pm.
- Get regular eye exams to check for early signs of UV damage.
