What UV Light Does to Our Eyes
Most of us know that ultraviolet radiation can damage our skin.
What fewer people realize is that UV light poses serious risks to our eyes as well. Understanding these risks is the first step toward protecting your vision for years to come.
The Invisible Threat
Ultraviolet light exists just beyond the visible spectrum, which means we can't see it even though it's constantly present in sunlight. There are three types of UV radiation: UVA, UVB, and UVC. While Earth's atmosphere blocks most UVC rays, both UVA and UVB reach our eyes and can cause significant damage over time.
Short-Term Effects
Even brief, intense UV exposure can harm your eyes. If you've ever spent a day at the beach or on the ski slopes without proper eye protection, you may have experienced photokeratitis. This condition, sometimes called "snow blindness" or "welder's flash," feels like having sand in your eyes. Symptoms include pain, redness, tearing, and temporary vision problems. Fortunately, photokeratitis usually resolves within a day or two, but it serves as a warning sign that damage has occurred.
Long-Term Consequences
The more concerning effects of UV exposure develop gradually over years or decades. Cumulative UV damage significantly increases your risk of developing cataracts, one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide. The proteins in your eye's natural lens can become clouded and discolored from repeated UV exposure, eventually requiring surgical intervention.
UV light also contributes to macular degeneration, a condition affecting the central part of your retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. Once this area deteriorates, tasks like reading and recognizing faces become increasingly difficult.
Additionally, UV exposure can cause pterygium, a growth of tissue on the white of your eye that can eventually extend onto the cornea. While usually benign, pterygium can affect vision and may require removal if it grows large enough. The skin around your eyes is particularly vulnerable too. UV radiation increases the risk of cancers on the eyelids and surrounding areas, conditions that require prompt medical attention.
Who's Most at Risk?
While everyone should protect their eyes from UV light, certain groups face higher risks. Children's eyes transmit more UV light to the retina than adult eyes, making early protection crucial. People who spend significant time outdoors, whether for work or recreation, accumulate more exposure. Those living at high altitudes or near the equator encounter stronger UV radiation, and anyone who has had cataract surgery may be more susceptible to UV damage.
Protection Is Simple
The good news is that protecting your eyes from UV damage is straightforward. Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays whenever you're outside, even on cloudy days. Add a wide-brimmed hat for extra protection. If you wear contact lenses, consider UV-blocking varieties as an additional layer of defense, though they don't replace sunglasses.
Your eyes are irreplaceable, and UV damage is largely preventable. By making eye protection a daily habit, you can significantly reduce your risk of vision problems down the road.