How UV Radiation affects the eyes and how to prevent it

Many people know the importance of protecting your skin from the sun. But did you know the sun can also cause serious damage to your eyes? The sun can damage almost all parts of your eyes, from the cornea on the eye’s surface to the retina at the back of the eye.

Additionally, eye damage from the sun is cumulative, building up over your lifetime.

Notably, the UV Index does not reflect the amount of sun your eyes get. Therefore, your eyes should be protected from the sun during all daylight hours.

UV can be reflected directly into the eyes when the sun is low in the sky.

So, what are some of the effects of the sun on your eyes, and how can this be prevented?

Short term effects

Even limited exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause side effects, including excessive blinking, swelling and difficulty looking at strong light. It can also cause various eye conditions, including:

Photokeratitis

Photokeratitis refers to inflammation of the cornea. It is caused by exposure to the sun’s UV rays. Symptoms include Gritty feeling in the eyes, Excessive blinking and watering, Difficulty looking at bright lights, Swelling of the eyes and blurred vision.

Photo-conjunctivitis

Photo-Conjunctivitis occurs when the conjunctiva becomes inflamed from UV radiation

Both Photokeratitis and Photo Conjunctivitis can feel like sunburn on the eye. They can both be caused by reflected UV radiation from water and snow.

These conditions, while short-lived, can be quite painful, underscoring the importance of prevention.

Longer term effects

Over a longer period, prolonged exposure to the sun can significantly impact the eyes.

Cataracts

Cataracts refer to general clouding of the lens that can destroy vision. Cataracts develop slowly but will eventually result in symptoms such as blurred vision. Surgery is often required to treat cataracts.

Solar Keratopathy

Solar Keratopathy refers to clouding of the cornea.

Pterygium

Pterygium is a fleshy undergrowth on the conjunctiva that usually begins to develop at the corner of the eye near the nose. It is often painless, but it can grow across the cornea and cause vision problems if untreated.

It commonly occurs in people who spend long periods of time outdoors exposed to UV radiation.

Squamous cell cancers of the Conjunctiva

These are slow-growing cancers that can result in the loss of sight.

Skin Cancers around the eyes

Skin cancers around the eyes, especially the eyelid, are common in Australia due to our extensive exposure to the sun.

Macular degeneration

Macular Degeneration is a disease that leads to progressive loss of vision. Long-term exposure to UV radiation can cause macular degeneration.

How to protect yourself

You must start protecting your eyes from the sun early in life. Eye protection is even more critical in children. This is because their pupils are relatively wide and their lenses clearer than those of adults, making it easier for UV radiation to penetrate their eyes.

To protect your eyes from the sun, you should wear sunglasses even on a cloudy day. It’s essential to choose close-fitting wrap-around sunglasses. These will block direct and reflected UV radiation and glare. Wrap-around frames provide protection to your eyes from all angles. For the best protection, you should choose sunglasses labelled UV 400.

Wearing a broad-brimmed hat can reduce UV exposure to your eyes by 50%

Shade structures, such as shade sails can provide up to 99% protection from the sun’s UV rays. For maximum protection, you should consider a custom-made product.

For most people, eyesight is a vital part of everyday life. Therefore, you should do everything in your power to protect your eyes from sun damage.

Article References

Cancer Council (n.d) Protecting your eyes from the sun, Cancer Council, accessed 1 August 2024.

Cockburn, P (2023) How to protect your eyes from sun, heat, water & champagne corks this summer, ABC News, accessed 1 August 2024.

My Dr (n.d.) Eyes In The Sun , My Dr, accessed 1 August 2024.