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Ultraviolet (UV) Protection Protecting your Eyes from Solar Radiation
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he sun supports life on our planet, but its life-giving rays also pose dangers. The sun’s primary danger is in the form of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Artificial sources, like welding machines, tanning beds and lasers, can also produce UV radiation. Most people are aware of how harmful UV radiation is to the skin. However, many may not realize that UV radiation can harm the eyes, and other components of solar radiation can also affect vision. There are three types of UV radiation. UV-C is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not present any threat. However, UV-A and UV-B radiation can have long- and short-term negative effects on the eyes and vision. If your eyes are exposed to excessive amounts of UV radiation over a short period of time, you will likely experience photokeratitis. Like a “sunburn of the eye,” photokeratitis can be painful. Its symptoms include red eyes, a foreign body sensation or gritty feeling in the eyes, extreme sensitivity
62 / Our City Weston / April 2021 / OurCityMedia.com
By Jane Therrien OD, FIAOMC, Optometric Physician to light and excessive tearing. Fortunately, It is concentrated by the cornea, the clear these symptoms are usually temporary and front layer of the eye, on tissues located on rarely cause permanent damage to the eyes. the opposite side of the eye. This peripheral UV radiation, over years of exposure, may The longer the eyes are exposed to solar result in nasal or inferonasal cataracts and radiation, the greater the risk of developing tissue elevations on the surface of the eye cataracts or macular degeneration later in called pingueculae and pterygia. life. It is not clear how much exposure to solar radiation will cause damage. Therefore, The American Optometric Association whenever you spend time outdoors, wear recommends the use of sunglasses quality sunglasses that offer UV protection whose lenses absorb 99-100% of UV-A and a hat or cap with a wide brim. Don’t and UV-B rays. forget protection for children and teenagers. Wrap-around style sunglasses can further They typically spend more time in the sun help prohibit UV radiation from reaching the than adults. eye from above, below and the sides. This UV exposure adds up over time: The Talk to your doctor of optometry about exposure while on the beach as a child your outdoor activities in all seasons so that combines with sun exposure as you age, in your risk of UV exposure can be assessed many cases resulting in problems later in life. and the appropriate UV absorbing glasses Most of the UV rays that pass through and/or contact lenses prescribed for your the pupil of the eye are absorbed by the individual needs. crystalline lens of the eye. Over time, the ⊲ For a consultation or more information, you cumulative effects of UV radiation may cause can reach Dr. Therrien at Weston Family cataracts in the lens of the eye. Eyecare, 4472 Weston Road, or call 954-8889393. Dr. Therrien and her staff look forward Solar radiation also reaches the surface of to exceeding your expectations. the eye from above, below, and from the side.
