Exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can negatively affect the body in a variety of ways. According to experts, high levels of UV rays can cause skin damage by breaking down collagen, increasing the risk of premature skin aging and skin cancer even when people are indoors. Aside from the skin, studies have also shown that the eyes are particularly susceptible to sun damage, especially when exposed to UV rays without proper protection.
More than a million surgeries are performed in the United States alone every year to treat cataracts, a common chronic effect of UV radiation. Growing research on ocular UV exposure has also emphasized other adverse effects of UV light on the eyes, highlighting the need for vision protection. Below, we look at current research into ocular UV exposure, its effects, and why eye protection is more crucial than ever.
Measuring Ocular UV Exposure
A Frontiers in Public Health study shows that assessing eye exposure to UV rays can be complex, as it involves understanding how much light it receives, how it spreads over the ocular surface, and how the eyes change based on environmental conditions. The same research found that numerical simulations are a promising method for quantifying the intensity of ocular UV exposure. Numerical simulations allow experts to create arbitrary scenarios using ambient or artificial light, enabling them to study how light distributes on an object. While current research on ocular UV exposure continues to grow, one thing remains clear: overexposure to UV light can severely affect vision health.
Adverse Effects
More research shows that prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause numerous ocular complications. UV light can modify the eyes' lens proteins, leading to compromised eyesight and causing cataract formation. Globally, an estimated 15 million people have blindness due to cataracts, and from that number, around 10% may be due to UV exposure, according to the World Health Organization. Aside from cataracts, UV rays can also cause photokeratitis, macular degeneration, pterygium or fleshy overgrowth of the conjunctiva, and eyelid cancers like squamous cell carcinoma. These complications are cumulative, which means proper eye protection is crucial to avoid developing ocular problems in the long term.
Proper Eye Protection
A study has shown that 59% of people do not use any protective eyewear outdoors. However, given all the adverse effects of ocular UV exposure, proper eye protection is essential to avoid ocular problems. Even people who need corrective lenses can protect their eyes with prescription sunglasses from to prevent UV light from compromising eyesight while providing vision correction. Ray-Ban sunglasses have category three lenses, ensuring high protection from the sun's UV rays. When picking out eyewear, buyers can look for a "UV 400" or "100% UVProtection" label for guaranteed maximum sun safety.
Aside from sunglasses, additional eye protection can also improve the defense mechanisms against UV rays. A Plos One study mentioned that broad-brimmed hats can reduce UV exposure to the eyes by 50%, minimizing the risks of UV-related ocular conditions such as photokeratitis and cataracts. These hats, typically sold by commercial brands like Uniqlo and Nike, provide extra coverage for the neck, ears, and sensitive skin around the eyes. Wearing sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat outdoors can increase eye protection from the dangers of UV exposure.
Growing research on ocular UV exposure shows emerging methods that can help measure eye exposure to harmful light and the persisting dangers that UV rays pose to vision health. With all the risks associated with ocular UV exposure, the importance of proper eye protection cannot be overstated.
