How to Protect Your Eyes from UV Damage

UV Light & Your Eyes

Designer sunglasses are must-have fashion accessories in the summertime, but they also serve the more important function of preventing the direct impact of UV light in your eyes and reducing the risk of eye damage. Like how sunscreen keeps our skin safe from the sun’s harmful rays and helps prevent skin cancer and premature ageing, sunglasses keep us safe by minimising the risk of UV light in the eyes.

Long exposure to the sun’s UV light has effects on the eyes, potentially causing structural eye damage ⁽¹⁾ and, in some cases, vision impairment. Children are at a high risk of exposure to the sun’s UV light, especially in areas prone to increased sun reflection, such as beaches or snowy areas. This makes it crucial for you to understand the UV light’s effects on the eyes to protect your and your child’s vision in the long run. Without adequate protection, potential damage to the eye can include corneal inflammation, cataracts, pterygium, and cancer.

UV light and its effects

Ultraviolet light and radiation come from two sources. The primary source of earth’s UV light — the sun — emits a range of wavelengths known as the electromagnetic spectrum. UV lights appear in the middle of the spectrum between visible light and X-rays and are split into three main types, including UVA, UVB and UVC.

While most of the sun’s UV radiation is absorbed by the ozone layer, a scientific study has highlighted the need for wearing sunglasses due to atmospheric changes and the depletion of the ozone, leading to an increased level of UV radiation on the earth ⁽³⁾.

The main secondary sources of UV radiation are tanning lamps, high-intensity mercury vapour lights, halogen lights, welding arcs, and lasers. Since this initial study was carried out, we have also broadened our understanding of the irreversible effects of UV light on the eyes and have globally recognised the need for UV-protected sunglasses, whether outdoors or handling sensitive equipment.

UV light safety

So, is UV light safe for your eyes? In short, no. UV radiation, be it natural sunlight or artificial rays, can damage the eye's surface tissues as well as the cornea and lens ⁽²⁾. In fact, all three types of UV light have different adverse effects on the human body, especially the human eye:

• UVC — This is the most damaging UV light for human skin. It’s primarily absorbed by the ozone layer and doesn’t reach the earth.
  
  
• UVB — This UV light affects the outer layers of the skin and eye, causing sunburn, blistering, eye irritation, light sensitivity tearing, cataracts and cancer.

• UVA — This UV light is the most prevalent and penetrates the skin the most out of the three. It causes tanning, skin ageing and affects the inner layers of the human eye.

UV light eye damage and its symptoms

Not only is constant exposure to UV light bad for your eyes and vision, but it’s also a dangerous cause of blindness, cataract and other sight-based conditions. Some common symptoms for UV light exposure to the eyes include:

• Pain or redness in the eye
• Tearing up or swelling
• Twitching of the eyelids
• Temporary loss of vision
• Headaches
• Seeing halos
• Eyelid dryness
  

If you notice any signs of eye strain after exposure to a UV light source or are facing issues due to digital blue light syndrome, it’s best to book an eye test. This will help prevent it from escalating into more severe eye problems in the future.

Preventing the damage caused by UV light in your eyes

The easiest way to prevent the damage caused by UV light in your eyes is by limiting your exposure to it. The higher the exposure, the more are the chances of eye conditions caused by UV radiation. Here are a few simple methods you can follow to keep your eyes protected from UV light:

• Wear sunglasses — A pair of sunglasses with good quality lenses will reduce the amount of UC reaching your eyes and reduce the amount of glare.
  
  
• Wear a hat — A hat that is broadly brimmed will protect your head from sunburn and also reduce the proximity of UV radiation reaching your eyes.
  
  
• Avoid the sun — During summer, three-quarters of UV exposure takes place between 10 am and 4 pm. Avoid going outdoors during this time, and your exposure will significantly reduce, helping keep you safe from the radiation.
• Wear protective eye gear — Always remember to use proper protective eye equipment if you are exposed to UV radiation on your job.
  
  
• Regular eye tests — It’s important to get your eyes checked by an optometrist to measure the impact of ambient and artificial UV lights on your eyes. Book a Medicare-friendly eye test today to keep your eyes protected from the harmful effects of UV.

Protect your eyes in style with 1001 Optometry

At 1001 Optical, we specialise in eyewear and eye care products you need to live your best life. With over 25 years in operation and connections with leading global brands, we are dedicated to delivering top-quality products directly to your door. We have an expansive range of contact lenses, reading glasses, and sunglasses, all of which are carefully selected by professional optometrists and eyewear experts.

So, if you have any queries about if you need glasses, getting over your fear of eye tests or how we can help you prepare for an eye test, get in touch with our team of eye experts today.

   
  References

1. Behar-Cohen, F., Baillet, G., de Ayguavives, T., Garcia, P. O., Krutmann, J., Peña-García, P., Reme, C., & Wolffsohn, J. S., 2014. Ultraviolet damage to the eye revisited: eye-sun protection factor (E-SPF®), a new ultraviolet protection label for eyewear. Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.), 8, 87–104. https://doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S46189
2. Turbert, D, 2020. The Sun, UV Light and Your Eyes. American Academy of Ophthalmology, accessed on 29 March 2022 <https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/sun>
3. Van Kuijk F. J., 1991. Effects of ultraviolet light on the eye: role of protective glasses. Environmental health perspectives, 96, 177–184. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.9196177