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Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation And Your Eyes

The sun provides the necessary energy for life on this planet. However, it also exposes all of us to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Other sources of UV radiation are man-made and include tanning beds, welding machines, and various lasers.

Most people, especially those of us who live in Florida, know how harmful UV radiation is to the skin. However, many may not realize that UV radiation can have a serious effect on our eyes. Recently, scientists have discovered that the sun also emits “high energy visible” (HEV) radiation, which is also called “blue light” radiation. People with low vitamin D levels in their blood are especially at risk of macular degeneration and other retinal damage from blue light radiation. Most offices and stores use fluorescent light bulbs that emit blue light, and LED lights are now becoming increasingly popular. Many digital devices including cell phones, tablets and computers also emit this shorter-wavelength visible light.

Anyone who spends time outdoors is at risk for eye problems from UV radiation. Risks of eye damage from UV and HEV exposure change from day to day and depend on a number of factors.  UV levels are greater in tropical areas near the earth’s equator. In addition, UV levels are greater at higher altitudes and when the sun is high in the sky, typically from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. Clouds do not affect UV levels significantly and so your risk of UV exposure can be high even on hazy, overcast days. This is because UV is invisible radiation, not visible light, and can penetrate clouds. Finally, certain medications, such as tetracycline, sulfa drugs, birth control pills, diuretics and tranquilizers, can increase your body’s sensitivity to UV and HEV radiation.

The three categories of invisible high-energy UV rays are:

UVC rays. These are the highest-energy UV rays and potentially could be the most harmful to your eyes and skin. Fortunately, the atmosphere’s ozone layer blocks virtually all UVC rays.

UVB rays. These have slightly longer wavelengths and lower energy than UVC rays. These rays are filtered partially by the ozone layer, but some still reach the earth’s surface.In low doses, UVB radiation stimulates the production of melanin in the skin, creating a suntan. However,  in higher doses, UVB rays cause sunburn that increases the risk of skin cancer. UVB rays also cause skin discolorations, wrinkles and other signs of premature aging of the skin. UVB rays are also thought to help cause pingueculae and pterygia. These growths on the eye’s surface can become unsightly and cause redness, irritation, and blurred vision.

UVA rays. These are closer to visible light rays and have lower energy than UVB and UVC rays. However, UVA rays can pass through the cornea and reach the lens and the retina inside the eye. Overexposure to UVA radiation has been linked to the development of certain types of cataracts and macular degeneration.

In order to protect your eyes, keep these tips in mind:

 

  • Not all sunglasses block 100 percent of UV rays. If you’re unsure about the level of UV protection your sunglasses provide, take them to your eye doctor. Almost all sunglasses block a portion of HEV rays, but some tints block more blue light than others. Blue-blocking sunglass lenses usually are bronze, copper or reddish-brown in color.
  • Remember to wear sunglasses even when you’re in the shade. Although shade reduces your UV and HEV exposure to some degree, your eyes still will be exposed to UV rays reflected from buildings, roadways and other surfaces.
  • If your contact lenses block UV rays, you still need sunglasses. UV-blocking contacts shield only the part of your eye under the lens. UV rays still can damage your conjunctiva and eyelids which can both develop superficial cancers

The risk of damage to our eyes and skin from solar UV radiation is cumulative, meaning the danger continues to grow as we spend time in the sun throughout our lifetime. It is especially important for children to protect their eyes from the sun. Children generally spend much more time outdoors than adults. In addition, Also, the lens inside a child’s eye is clearer than an adult lens, enabling more UV to penetrate deep into the eye.Therefore, make sure your kids’ eyes are protected from the sun with good quality sunglasses.

Have fun and enjoy your time outdoors. However, make sure you are protected with the correct eye and skin protection to reduce your UV exposure. An ounce of suntan lotion is worth a pound of cure.