![]() Permanent Blindness: The UV rays can cause other types of damage to the eyes including abnormal eye growth, cataracts, and cancer.While there are ways to treat macular damage and reduce symptoms, there is no cure. When macular damage occurs, a person experiences blurred vision, difficulty seeing in dim light, and partial loss of vision. It also protects the eye from free-radicals. The macula contains pigments, which filter certain types of UV light, to keep it from damaging other parts of the eye. Though there are several factors contributing to this issue, repeated sun damage to the eyes from improper UV protection could be linked as one possible cause. Macular Degeneration : Damage to the macula is typically seen in older adults and is generally referred to as Aged-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).There’s no treatment for solar retinopathy, and in most cases the body will heal itself with time. Symptoms may include soreness, watery eyes, difficulty discerning shapes or details of objects, and a blind spot in the center of your vision. Similar to a sunburn, the damage occurs without any pain and the effects aren't noticed until a few hours after exposure. UV rays enter the eye, going through the pupil to the retina at the back of the eye, damaging the rods and cones of the retina creating a blind spot. Solar Retinopathy : The most common instance of solar retinopathy is direct eclipse viewing or sun gazing without adequate eye protection.However, the effects of repeated sun damage to the eye are cumulative, meaning the more it happens, the higher the risk for developing more severe eye problems. Photokeratitis will eventually resolve on its own after a few days, so treatment aims to soothe the symptoms. The symptoms are similar to a skin sunburn with pain, redness, swelling, tearing, blurriness, and headaches. It can also occur through the use of tanning bed lamps. This can happen when sunlight reflects off the surface of sand, water, ice, and snow (known as snow blindness ). Just as the UV rays can burn the top layers of our skin, they can also harm the surface of the cornea as well as the conjunctiva - the layer of cells lining our eyelids and the whites of the eye. Sunburned Eyes : This is a condition called photokeratitis and it's best explained as a sunburn to your eye. ![]() We’ve shared some of the common issues that are associated with too much time spent in the sun, without proper eye protection, and what you can do to keep your eyes in great shape, not just for the summer but for life. Remember that cloud cover doesn’t protect against UV rays and even if your contacts contain UV protection sunglasses are still needed. If you are experiencing problems with your eyes or eyelids, visit your physician or eye doctor.While most of us know to break out the sunscreen to prevent burns and long-term damage that leads to skin cancer, did you know it's just as important to protect your eyes? A lifetime of staring at the sun without the proper protection can lead to long-term vision problems, and potentially blindness, if you don't protect your eyes. Seek shade: Whenever possible, especially during times when the sun is most intense (typically 10 AM – 4 PM).Be altitude-aware: UV intensity increases with altitude, so be sure to protect your eyes while skiing, snowboarding and hiking.Take extra care near water, snow and sand: 80 percent or more of the sun’s rays reflect off of these surfaces, so that they hit your eyes and skin a second time.Be aware of clouds: the sun’s rays can pass through haze and clouds, so eye protection is important even when there is cloud cover.Choose one that is safe for your face and eyes. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, to protect yourself when you need to take off your shades.Hats can block as much as half of all UV rays from your eyes and eyelids. Wear a hat with at least a three-inch brim and tightly woven fabric (no holes) to protect your face and the top of your head.When purchasing sunglasses, look for the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation. Choose shades that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB light.Sun damage to the eyes can occur any time of year. Wear sunglasses year-round whenever you are out in the sun.By embracing some simple actions and making them a way of life, you and your family can safely enjoy the great outdoors while protecting the health of your eyes and the sensitive skin around them.
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