We can usually protect our skin from the sun by using sunscreen. Of course, it protects up to 98% of the body, but many people may skip 2% like the eyes that may be damaged by sunlight. Therefore, nature protects the eye by wrapping it with the bone of the eye socket, with eyelids, eyebrows and eyelashes as another layer of protection. In addition, narrowing of the pupils Closing or squinting is another mechanism that protects the eyes naturally when stimulated by light but not by UV radiation.
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So even on a day without bright sunlight The body is still exposed to large amounts of UV rays. As a result, the effectiveness of the eye protection mechanism is also limited. Sunlight contains ultraviolet radiation. (Ultraviolet), or called for short UV Rays that cannot be seen by the naked eye can be divided into 3 types:
- UV C (UV C rays, 100 – 280 nm) It is the highest energy UV rays and can cause the most damage to the skin and eyes.
- UVB rays (UV B rays, 280 – 320 nm) It is less energy than UV C, partly filtered by the ozone layer. Some of the radiation that passes through the earth in small amounts will stimulate the production of melanin pigment (Melanin), making the skin color darker. Large amounts of radiation will cause skin burns. Dark spots, wrinkles and increase the chance of skin cancer.
- UVA rays (UV A rays, 320 – 400 nm) It is a lower energy radiation than the first two types but can penetrate the cornea into the lens and retina. Exposure to high doses of this type of radiation may be associated with cataract development and some studies have shown that it may also affect the development of macular degeneration.
Symptoms of eyes exposed to too much sunlight
- dry eyes
- Burning, itchy eyes
- momentary amblyopia
Eyes and the dangers of sunlight
- eyelid Skin color changes, dark spots, wrinkles around the eyes There are also reports that Some types of cancer that occur in the eyelids This may be due to continuous exposure to sunlight for a long time.
- conjunctiva There is a degeneration of the conjunctiva in the area close to the black eye rim, called glaucoma, which is caused by irritation from wind, dust, UV rays that may interfere with vision. or if there is inflammation can cause pain and irritation
- cornea acute inflammation of the cornea Causes a lot of pain in the eyes, watery eyes, often appearing about 2-3 hours after exposure to high levels of UV rays, such as reflection from snow or UV rays from welding without wearing protective glasses. Symptoms are usually temporary, lasting 1-2 days.
- eye lens cataract formation Although cataracts are caused by age-related degeneration. But found that exposure to UV rays. can cause more cataracts Each year, more than 16 million people worldwide become blind from cataracts. According to the World Health Organization, about 20% of cataracts can be caused by excessive UV exposure, which is an avoidable cause.
- Retina In young people, the clear lens of the eye cannot absorb all of the UV rays. Therefore, there is a chance that UV rays will destroy the retina causing macular degeneration. Although our retina contains natural substances or pigments that protect the retina. But these substances decrease with age. This causes the natural retinal protection process to decrease and cause retinal degeneration more easily. when exposed to UV rays In addition, some studies believe that UV radiation may be linked to macular degeneration in the elderly.
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Take care of your eyes from the sun.
- Wear sunglasses tinted with UV protection. The US Food and Drug Administration has set UV protection standards for sunglasses that must block at least 95% of UVA and at least 99% of UVB. of the lens
- The lens should be large and wide, able to cover the eyes from the sun from all angles.
- Apply eye cream regularly.
Sunglasses in addition to UV protection. Good sunglasses should have other features as well, including:
- Blue – Blocking Lenses Makes it easier to see distant objects, can block all blue light.
- Polarized Lenses Help cut light, reduce scattered light such as sunlight reflected from snow or water surface.
- Photochromic Lenses The intensity of the lens color can be adjusted according to the amount of light that changes.
- Polycarbonate Lenses Help prevent bumps or accidents to the eyes.
- Mirror – Coated Lenses Reduces visible light
- Gradient Lenses There are 2 types: Single – Gradient Lenses which has a dark color on top light color below Help reduce scattered light and see more clearly. Suitable for another type of driving. Double – Gradient Lenses which will be dark on the top and bottom light color in the middle Suitable for water sports or winter sports.
In addition, wearing a hat with a wide brim Open an umbrella every time you go out in the sun. Will help reduce the amount of UV light by up to 50 percent. It is important to avoid being in the sun for a long time, it will help protect both your skin and eyes from the hot sun that is like practicing hell.
Thank you information from: Bangkok Hospital
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