The Sun, UV light and Your eyes
Summer is the season when we spend more time outdoors in the sun. In addition to protecting our skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation by applying sunscreen lotion, it is important to also protect our eyes by wearing proper eye protection starting at an early age to shield our eyes from years of UV exposure.
UV radiation, whether from natural sunlight or indoor artificial rays, can damage various parts of the eyes such as the eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, lens and retina. By wearing UV-blocking sunglasses, we can enjoy the sun safely while reducing the risk for potentially blinding eye disease and cancers.
How can ultraviolet (UV) light harm our eyes?
Cumulative exposure to UV light over the years increases the risk of eye diseases such as:
- Eyelid skin cancers
- Growths on the conjunctival surface (pterygium)
- Opacification of our natural lens (cataract)
- Age-related macular degeneration which can lead to loss of central vision
- Eye cancers such as choroidal melanoma
- Snow blindness (photokeratitis) can occur after exposure to UV reflections off snow, ice, sand or water
Tips on how to protect your eyes from UV light throughout the year:
- Everyone should wear UV-blocking sunglasses whenever outdoors regardless of season. Buy sunglasses from an approved Optician’s shop which provide 100% UV protection. Ensure the glasses are labelled as blocking both UV-A and UV-B rays
- Wear a broad-brimmed hat when outdoors
- Apply sunscreen lotion onto eyelids to protect the skin from UV light with caution to avoid contact with the eyes
- Remember that clouds do not block UV light. Wear your sunglasses even on overcast days.
- Sunlight is strongest from 10 am to 4 pm, at higher altitudes and when reflected off water, sand, ice or snow
- Never look directly at the sun, even whilst wearing sunglasses. Direct sungazing at any time, including during an eclipse, can damage the retina (the eye’s photographic film) which can cause serious permanent injury to central vision due to solar retinopathy
- Avoid tanning beds as they pose the same risk to your eyes and skin as the sun
Some health benefits of sunlight
Daily exposure to sunlight is necessary to regulate our bodies’ natural wake-sleep cycle as well as our mood.
Spending time outdoors in sunlight daily is important for the healthy development of children’s eyes. It helps reduce the risk of developing myopia in later life. Therefore, children should play outdoors in the natural daylight daily but do not forget their hat and sunglasses.
