Don’t be blindsided by the sun

In the hot summer months, chances are that you will spend more time in the sun, whether driving, playing sports or just enjoying a beautiful day outdoors. At the same time, your eyes will be exposed to direct sunlight, sun glare, as well as damaging solar rays such as UV (ultraviolet) and HEV (high-energy visible) radiation which are major risk factors. This is why taking proper care of one’s eyes and remaining aware of the hazards that can affect good vision are vital, especially during the year’s sunniest season.

GETTING TO GRIPS WITH RADIATION

The sun emits different types of electromagnetic radiation, most of which are visible (HEV) light, UV rays, and infrared rays. While UV rays make up only a very small portion of the sun’s rays, they are the main cause of the sun’s damaging effects on the eyes. UV rays are an overload of energy that travels through an empty space creating an imbalance in the chemical structure of the body’s molecules, causing cell damage and deformities. As UV rays travel with sunlight, the rays can pierce through the thin layer of skin on the eyelids when the eyes are closed or partially closed, making it possible for the rays to reach the eye. The transparent lens and cornea help to protect the eyes by filtering the UV rays, but if direct light continuously reaches the eyes over long periods of time, this can lead to serious eye problems including:

• Cataracts are the most common form of treatable blindness worldwide, and are the cause of clouding that makes it difficult for the eye to see.
• Eyelid cancers, according to the US Skin Cancer Foundation, make up 5 to 10% of all skin cancers. The cancer usually occurs in the lower part of the eyelid, which is most exposed to the sun. It carries the risk of spreading to the eye itself and even affecting surrounding muscles which can later deform parts of the face.
• Intraocular melanoma is the most common form of eye cancer that can either result in no symptoms or cause dark speks on the iris, hazy vision, or a change in the pupil's shape.
• Macular degeneration is also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), this condition is one of the leading causes of vision loss. It is the result of long-term damage to a small spot near the centre of the retina, the part of the eye needed for central vision. AMD is one of the results of the sun's HEV radiation, also known as blue light. Unlike UV radiation, HEV rays are visible and people with low levels of vitamin C and other antioxidants are more likely to suffer from retinal damage and AMD from HEV radiation.
• Harmful growths on the surface of the eye, such as apterygial, benign growths on the conjunctiva (the protective membrane that spans across the outside of the eye), usually occur at a later stage in life. These growths can negatively affect sight and may need to be removed surgically.
• Keratitis (sunburn of the cornea) is the result of over exposure to UV rays, either from the sun or tanning equipment. In this case, it is recommended that polarised lenses and protective eyewear are worn when sun bathing and even during a tanning session at the salon.
• Photokeratitis occurs when the eyes are exposed to high, short-term dosages of UV rays. This can cause a painful inflammation of the cornea. Photokeratitis, also known as ‘snow blindness’, can cause instant vision loss for up to 24 to 48 hours.