Is sunlight bad for our eyes?

Excessive exposure to sunlight can be harmful to our eyes. The ultraviolet (UV) light in the sun's rays can cause several eye problems. Here are some of the main ways sunlight can affect our eyes.

Photokeratitis is a painful condition similar to a sunburn, but on the cornea of ​​the eye. It can be caused by intense exposure to UV rays, for example on the beach or in the snow.

Prolonged exposure to UV rays can contribute to the development of cataracts, a condition in which the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and reduces vision.

Exposure to UV light can increase the risk of macular degeneration, a condition that affects central vision and is a leading cause of blindness in older adults.

Pterygium is a growth of tissue on the white part of the eye that can spread over the cornea and obstruct vision. It is often associated with exposure to UV radiation.

UV radiation can also contribute to the development of skin cancer on the eyelids and rare but possible cancers in the eye itself, such as melanoma.

To protect the eyes from harmful UV rays, the following measures are recommended: wear sunglasses, wear a hat and avoid direct exposure.

Source: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/2/529

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2022-12-09 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024