How Does the Sun Damage Eyes?

Your Eyes and the Sun

When your eyes begin to tear or squint due to bright outdoor light, your eyes are creating a natural defense against UV ray, which are harmful and can affect the eyes. Even if you wear sunglasses on every sunny day, you still may not be doing enough to protect your eyes from those dangerous rays. After years of going unprotected, your eyes will eventually break down and disease may be inevitable. In order to prevent diseases from affecting your eyes, you must wear sunglasses that are at least UV400, and keep your eyes shaded as much as possible.

What Happens When You Get Sun Damage in the Eyes

The sun contains UV rays that are dangerous if absorbed directly by the eyes. Too many UV rays and you could end up with one of many UV-related illnesses, such as cataracts, skin cancer on the eyelids, pteryguim (where tissue grows on the whites of the eyes) and macular degeneration, where the sensitive area of the cornea begins to deteriorate. There are two types of UV rays--UVA rays, which penetrate into the back of the eye, and UVB rays, which cause damage to the front of the eye, where the lens and cornea are located. Both rays are very dangerous and need to be avoided when possible.

How to Prevent Sun Damage

The most important step to protect your eyes from sun damage is to wear the proper sunglasses whenever you are in the sun. Sunglasses come with different UV classifications, but you will need one that prevents preferably 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays. If you are unable to wear sunglasses, wear a hat with a wide brim that covers your entire face. If you have suffered a sunburn on your eyelids, place a cold compress over your eyes for 15 minutes every hour until the burning has subsided, then place a coating of aloe over the eyelids.

References

• Women Fitness.net: Protect Your Eyes from Sun Damage
• Steady Health: Beware of Sun Damage

Resources

• All About Vision: Sunglasses