![\"\"](\"https:\/\/eyedoctorsite.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/child-expression-fun-52722-250x167.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The sun provides the necessary energy for life on this planet. However, it also exposes all of us to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. <\/span>Other sources of UV radiation are man-made and include tanning beds, welding machines, and various lasers.<\/span><\/p>\n 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 \u201chigh energy visible\u201d (HEV) radiation, which is also called \u201cblue light\u201d 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. <\/span><\/p>\n 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. \u00a0UV 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.<\/span><\/p>\n The three categories of invisible high-energy UV rays are:<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n 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, \u00a0in 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. <\/span><\/p>\n