Protecting your eyes from harmful UV light can be essential in the preservation of your eye health. Prolonged exposure can lead to various eye conditions, including:
Cataracts
Prolonged exposure to UV radiation increases the risk of developing cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s natural lens. Cataracts can impair vision and may require surgical intervention to correct.
Macular Degeneration
UV rays may contribute to the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. AMD affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision.
Pterygium
UV exposure can lead to the growth of abnormal tissue on the conjunctiva, the clear tissue covering the white part of the eye. This growth, known as a pterygium or “surfer’s eye,” can cause irritation, redness, and in severe cases, visual distortion.
Photokeratitis
Also known as “sunburn of the eye,” photokeratitis is a painful condition that results from overexposure to UVB rays. Symptoms include redness, tearing, and sensitivity to light, resembling the symptoms of a corneal abrasion.
Skin Cancer around the Eyes
UV radiation can damage the skin around the eyes, increasing the risk of developing skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Accelerated Aging
UV exposure can accelerate the aging process of the eyes, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of premature aging around the eyes.
To mitigate these risks, it’s essential to protect your eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses with UV protection, wide-brimmed hats, and avoiding excessive sun exposure, especially during peak UV hours.
We stock multiple ranges of sun protection, starting from as little as £26.
Please call into your local Visioncare Optometry Practice to view the full range on offer.