As a sun worshipper, I never really thought much about protecting my eyes. I was at the beach all the time and I didn’t wear a hat or sunglasses. I did wear sunscreen when I remembered. Aside from having wrinkled skin, the worst part about over-exposing the eyes to the sun are the results that often show up later in life. My friends and I have had various problems with our eyes now that we are older and lament our lack of knowledge about protecting our eyes. UV radiation can damage the internal structures of your eye, causing eye damage and vision loss, as well as threaten the delicate skin surrounding the eye and the lids.
Below are the risks of sun damage:
Macular Degeneration:
Macular Degeneration or Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in adults aged 50 and older. The vision loss occurs gradually and often unnoticeably as the macula – which is the center of the retina responsible for clear central vision – breaks down. While total blindness usually does not result, central vision is often lost resulting in a condition called low vision, which seriously impairs independent living and quality of life. UVA exposure has been shown to be a cause of macular degeneration.
Cataracts
Cataracts or a clouding of the natural clear lens of the eye which is responsible for the eye’s ability to focus for clear vision is strongly linked to UV exposure. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) up to an estimated 20% of cataracts may be directly linked to UV exposure. Cataracts are the most common cause of treatable blindness around the world.
Keratitis
Keratitis or corneal sunburn occurs when excessive exposure to UV causes burns to the cornea. The cornea is the part of the eye that reflects light onto the retina allowing vision. A corneal sunburn can result in temporary vision loss. Keratitis is known to occur from the use of tanning beds and while skiing or snowboarding at high altitudes in snowy conditions where the sun rays reflect off of the white snow into the eyes.
Eyelid Cancer
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, cancers of the eyelid account for 5 -10% of all skin cancers. Skin cancers of the eyelid which include basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and melanoma, can all spread to the eye and surrounding areas, causing eye and vision damage as well as facial disfigurement. If left untreated, they can eventually spread to the brain. When diagnosed and treated early on these cancers have a positive response rate to surgery and follow-up care. Below are the early warning signs of eyelid cancer:
Chronic infection, red eye, swelling, or inflammation that doesn’t respond to medication
A change in the appearance of the skin on the eyelid
A lesion that does not heal
A lump or thickening on the eyelid that may bleed and doesn’t heal
A sudden loss of eyelashes
If you have any of these symptoms, they may have other causes. Ask your doctor for a diagnosis if you have these symptoms.
Dr. Cheryl Khanna recommends looking for sunglasses that:
Block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays
Screen out 75% to 90% of visible light
Have lenses that are perfectly matched in color and free of distortions and imperfections
Have lenses that are gray for proper color recognition
Opt for wraparound sunglasses or close-fitting sunglasses with wide lenses that protect your eyes from every angle. Some contact lenses also offer UV protection but should be worn in combination with sunglasses to maximize protection.
For hats, look for the highest rating of UPF50 (ultraviolet protection rating). I recommend Eric Javits hats for the sun. They have UPF50 protection, and they are made to block 95% of UVA/UV rays. They are patented with a lightweight and packable material. The hats also have an elasticized inner band that fits most people. Visit EricJavits.com
Independent testing in accordance with AATCC (American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists) test methods determine the product’s effectiveness for blocking ultraviolet radiation as well as UVA/UVB radiation. To learn more about AATCC testing, go to www.aatcc.org.