THE EFFECTS OF EXCESSIVE SUN EXPOSURE TO THE EYES

Everyone gets exposed to the sun; some get exposed more than others to sunlight. Regardless, it is known that sunlight has certain health advantages for our eyes. It aids in reducing the occurrence of myopia, and the early morning sunlight helps improve sleep quality at night while also assisting in regulating the body’s internal clock. Furthermore, it provides Vitamin D, which is vital for overall health.

Aside from its scorching feeling, excessive sunlight (ultraviolet) exposure has negative impacts on our eyesight, leading to vision problems. This can result in the onset of various eye conditions highlighted below

THE RISKS OF UV LIGHT FROM THE SUN TO EYE HEALTH

UV light is a high-energy radiation that can cause damage to the eyes in several ways:

1. Cataracts: Excessive sun exposure can contribute to the development of cataracts, a clouding of the lens in the eye that develops when proteins aggregate within your cornea, the transparent dome of tissue that covers your iris and pupils. This damage accumulates gradually over the years, obstructing light from entering the eye, which impairs vision.

2. Macular Degeneration: UV light exposure has been linked to an increased risk of macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. Occurs when the central area of the retina — the macula — sustains irreversible damage. This condition disrupts your central vision, making it challenging to read, watch television, use a computer, or recognize faces. Cumulative UV damage within the eye is a key contributor to macular degeneration and the resulting vision loss.

3. Eye Cancer: UV light exposure can increase the risk of eye cancer, including melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. Besides cancers affecting the eye, UV exposure also heightens the risk of skin cancers on your eyelids and the surrounding tissues. Certain types of these cancers have the potential to spread to the cornea, the clear covering of the eye, or internal eye structures, resulting in vision loss or the need for eye removal.

4. Photokeratitis: Some individuals liken photo keratitis to sunburn of the eyes. UV light can cause photokeratitis, a painful condition that arises from exposure to sunlight — including rays reflected off of water, snow, or other surfaces. The positive aspect is that it is temporary — however, it can be extremely uncomfortable and indicates that your eyes have received too much UV exposure.

5. Growth on the eyes: The surface of the eye absorbs the majority of the sun’s UV rays, raising the risk of growth on the outer parts of the eye. These growths can either be cancerous or non-cancerous. Numerous individuals who spend considerable time in the sun develop benign growths known as pterygium. In other instances, abnormal cancerous cells can form on or within the eye, posing threats to vision and the eye itself.

HOW DOES THIS MANIFEST?

When ultraviolet radiation impacts the eyes, it typically presents with symptoms like;
· A gritty sensation (similar to sand) in the eyes
· Eye discomfort
· Headaches
· Eyelid spasms
· Watery eyes
· Swelling
· Redness
· Photophobia
· Eye irritation
· Blurry vision

If you notice any of these symptoms while you’re outdoors under the sun, we suggest seeking shelter indoors immediately and consult an optometrist at TREETOP VISION EYE CENTRE (TREVEC), the best eye clinic in Utako Abuja.

TREVEC CARES!!!