UV rays are invisible, high-energy rays of light that, if absorbed by your eyes, can cause or enhance several eye ailments. This happens because the UV light can cause a reaction in our eye tissue. And once it occurs, it cannot be reversed.
The UV rays can play a large role in the following eye diseases:
- Cataract – Clouding of the eye; causes blurring or dimming of vision – UV rays are the largest culprit in the formation of cataracts
- Pteryguim – Tissue growth on the whites of eyes; can block vision
- Skin cancer – Eyelids and facial skin can develop melanoma
- Age-related macular degeneration – Deterioration of the eye’s macula (sensitive center of the retina
Preventing sunburn
Taking care of your eyes should be a top concern for all no matter the time of the year, but especially during the hot summer months of June, July and August.
- Sunglasses provide one of the best sources of UV protection. In order to properly protect your eyes, choose sunglasses that over at least 95 percent UV protection. Also, choose a lens tint that blocks 80 percent of transmissible light, but no more than 90-92 percent of light because lens tint does not protect you from UV rays, and can affect your ability to see correctly. Large lenses that fit close to the eyes are best. Those that block visible blue light are even safer.
- Top your head with a hat
The simple combination of a hat and sunglasses can give you all the protection you need to protect those baby blues.
Ordinary sunglasses make the situation WORSE! The dark lenses cause the pupils to dilate, allowing more of the dangerous UVA radiation to damage the lens and the retina.
Treatment for Sunburn:
There are some strategies for helping you survive the crisis:
- If your burn hurts, soak it for five minutes in cold (not ice) water or apply cold compresses.
This will provide immediate relief and lessen your swelling. - Avoid greasy substances.
They “seal” in the heat and cause further damage. - Avoid cooling lotions with menthol or camphor.
They feel good, but can cause allergic reactions.
First aid sprays with benzocaine can cause similar reactions and are not advised. - If your sunburn causes blisters, swelling and oozing of fluid, it is a second degree burn.
See a practitioner.
Do not use lotions or creams on the burn.
To avoid infection, do not break blisters or peel skin. - Take a pain reliever of your choice, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), for discomfort.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
Unlike the Red blood cells, the cells of the lens of the eye are never replaced; the proteins of the lens are never replenished. The lens cannot repair itself; damage accumulates over a lifetime.