{"id":3017,"date":"2023-07-19T20:35:25","date_gmt":"2023-07-20T01:35:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eyetoeyefamilyvisioncare.com\/?p=3017"},"modified":"2023-09-26T17:15:07","modified_gmt":"2023-09-26T22:15:07","slug":"the-effects-of-uv-rays-on-your-eyes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eyetoeyefamilyvisioncare.com\/the-effects-of-uv-rays-on-your-eyes\/","title":{"rendered":"The Effects Of UV Rays On Your Eyes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children frequently hear the warning, \u201cDon\u2019t stare at the sun or you\u2019ll go blind,\u201d and there\u2019s truth in that age-old warning. The sun radiates UV rays that cause eye damage. Extended or lifetime overexposure to the sun increases your risk for several serious eye conditions as well as vision loss.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overexposure To Sunlight Harms Eye Health &amp; Vision<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While much of the focus on UV damage focuses on skin cancer, primarily life-threatening melanomas, it\u2019s important to understand the risks UV damage poses to the eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The sun emits three different types of UV rays:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>UVA<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: These are the least powerful of the three but still contribute to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/eyetoeyefamilyvisioncare.com\/what-to-expect-from-your-eyes-as-you-age\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">faster aging of eye and skin tissues<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, causing wrinkles and age spots. UVAs also affect the eyes\u2019 surface and are linked to certain skin cancers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>UVB<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: These rays are more powerful than UVA and do damage to DNA. This is how they compromise eye anatomy and visual acuity. UVB is the cause of sunburns, eye irritation\/damage, and most sun-related skin cancers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>UVC<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The strongest and most harmful UV rays, UVC is largely blocked by the earth\u2019s atmosphere. However, they are present in welding torches and UV sanitizing bulbs, so individuals working around that equipment must exercise extra caution.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moderate \u201cdoses\u201d of natural sunlight to the eyes and skin are actually good for you and are essential to the natural assimilation and absorption of vitamin D. However, overexposure is harmful and compromises eye health.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5 Eye Conditions Linked To UV Ray Exposure<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to accelerating the aging of surface tissues, including the eyes, excessive UV exposure is a major risk factor for developing these five eye conditions:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pinguecula<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A pinguecula is a visible accumulation of excess fat and protein tissues occurring in the white portion of the eye (the sclera). It causes irritation, and if it grows large enough, a pinguecula can affect the eye\u2019s tear production and drainage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pterygium<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pterygium is closely associated with sun-damaged eyes that we refer to this condition as \u201csurfer\u2019s eye.\u201d Pterygium often begins as pinguecula but can form independently. These fatty\/protein deposits grow on the sclera and extend onto the cornea (the clear, front portion of the eye) and can block the pupil, leading to vision loss. While they\u2019re referred to as surfer\u2019s eye, they can also affect those who fish as a hobby or career (due to the sun\u2019s reflection off the water) as well as snow enthusiasts that don\u2019t take <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/eyetoeyefamilyvisioncare.com\/protecting-your-eyes-from-snow-blindness-this-winter\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">proper precautions from the winter sun<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cataracts<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cataracts are among the most common causes of vision loss, especially in seniors. However, people who experience chronic UV exposure without proper precaution are more prone to developing cataracts and may develop them earlier in life.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like cataracts, ARMD is another common cause of vision loss mostly linked to heredity and aging. However, older adults who neglected sun protection in their younger years are more likely to develop ARMD or to experience more severe cases.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cancers of the eyelid and eye<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finally, UV rays on your eyes can cause cancer in eye tissues the same way they do on the rest of the eyes. Cancers of the eyelid, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/basal-cell-carcinoma\/\">basal cell carcinoma<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/squamous-cell-carcinoma\/\">squamous cell carcinoma<\/a>, are linked to UV exposure. Other optical cancers bear no connection to UV-related damage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can The Eyes Heal From Sun Damage?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most of the time, the eyes heal to a point from acute sun exposure. For example, if you spend a day near or on the water or snow without <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/eyetoeyefamilyvisioncare.com\/protect-your-eyes-from-the-sun\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">proper sun protection<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (sunglasses with UV-blocking lenses, hats, staying in the shade as much as possible, etc.) you\u2019ll suffer the effects. And, with a little TLC, those symptoms typically correct themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, there is still a chance that long-term DNA damage has occurred and it will show up in a later diagnosis - such as one of the conditions listed above.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms of sun damage from UV rays on your eyes<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overexposure to UV rays shows up in very physical and tangible ways. Symptoms include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/eyetoeyefamilyvisioncare.com\/10-reasons-you-have-red-eyes\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Red and irritated eyes<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A scratch\/gritty feeling or the feeling that something is in the eyes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excessive tearing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Temporary vision loss - typically blurry or distorted vision<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Light sensitivity<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seeing halos around lights<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Night vision issues<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s very important that you <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/eyetoeyefamilyvisioncare.com\/5-reasons-to-avoid-rubbing-your-eyes\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">resist the urge to rub your eyes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as this worsens inflammation and damage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can soothe these symptoms by:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take a nap (remaining in a dark room with closed eyes is the best way for them to heal).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/eyetoeyefamilyvisioncare.com\/why-do-my-contact-lenses-hurt\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remove contacts<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and use eyeglasses for a few days (or until symptoms have completely disappeared).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bathing the eyes with cool, damp compresses.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generously using preservative-free eye drops to soothe and flush the eyes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoiding sources of direct light (which may include wearing sunglasses indoors).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remaining indoors or in deep shade (avoid the sun and reflective surfaces).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/eyetoeyefamilyvisioncare.com\/prevent-eye-strain-do-you-honor-the-20-20-20-rule\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking a break from screens<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as they contribute to direct light\/glare and eye strain.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Experiencing acute cases of sun damage to the eyes is a wake-up call, reminding you to take proactive care of your eyes in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suffering The Effects Of UV Rays O<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">n Your Eyes?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you worried about recent sun damage to your eyes or a member of your family? <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/eyetoeyefamilyvisioncare.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact Eye to Eye Family Vision Care. <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019ll listen to your symptoms and determine whether or not an appointment is necessary. We can also make recommendations about the best UV protective lenses based on your job, hobbies, or age.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, don\u2019t forget that children need equally high-quality UV-blocking lenses. We\u2019ll show you our children\u2019s lines of optometrist-approved sunglasses.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Children frequently hear the warning, \u201cDon\u2019t stare at the sun or you\u2019ll go blind,\u201d and there\u2019s truth in that age-old warning. The sun radiates UV rays that cause eye damage. Extended or lifetime overexposure to the sun increases your risk for several serious eye conditions as well as vision loss. Overexposure To Sunlight Harms Eye [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3022,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"The Effects Of UV Rays On Your Eyes | Eye To Eye Family Vision Care","_seopress_titles_desc":"UV rays on your eyes is harmful. They\u2019re a leading cause of cancer and pose a threat to eye health and vision. Learn how to protect your eyes.","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eyetoeyefamilyvisioncare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3017"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eyetoeyefamilyvisioncare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eyetoeyefamilyvisioncare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eyetoeyefamilyvisioncare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eyetoeyefamilyvisioncare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3017"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/eyetoeyefamilyvisioncare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3017\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3025,"href":"https:\/\/eyetoeyefamilyvisioncare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3017\/revisions\/3025"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eyetoeyefamilyvisioncare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3022"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eyetoeyefamilyvisioncare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3017"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eyetoeyefamilyvisioncare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3017"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eyetoeyefamilyvisioncare.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3017"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}