For our eyes to function, light enters through the cornea, passes through the lens, and reaches the retina, where photoreceptors (unique nerve cells that convert light into the visual signals our eyes need to see) process the images. These signals then travel to the optic nerve, which carries them to the brain.
Light is the vital part of this equation, but too much light can be damaging due to ultraviolet radiation (UV rays). Let’s celebrate UV Safety Month this July by exploring how UV rays can harm your eyes and how sunglasses can help protect them.
Patients in the Pelham Gardens, Bronx, New York area, who are trying to protect their eyes in the bright, sunny months can get help from the team of doctors at Bronx Eye Associates.
The sun emits a wide range of radiation on the electromagnetic spectrum which includes X-rays, infrared, gamma rays, and the UV rays that make up much of our visible sunlight. UV light also comes from other sources, such as tanning beds, specific lasers, and various artificial lights (including halogen, incandescent, mercury vapor, and fluorescent). Still, the largest amount of it we’re exposed to comes from the life-giving rays of the sun.
UV light is emitted at different wavelengths (UVA, UVB, and UVC), some of which are absorbed in the atmosphere by the ozone layer. The sun’s UV light is our simplest source of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus and assists bone development. However, it also damages your skin and eyes when you’re exposed to too much of it.
Sunburn, premature aging, and various cancers are common on the skin, but excessive UV light exposure can cause a form of sunburn called photokeratitis in the eyes. This frequently occurs in both eyes, affecting the cornea and conjunctiva (the membrane that produces the mucus that forms tears), and the illness can be either short-term or long-lasting.
Direct sunlight often causes this to happen, but it also occurs due to reflective sunlight from snow, ice, sand, or water, as well as laser light, tanning beds, flood lamps, and electric sparks.
If you’re dealing with photokeratitis, you can experience symptoms like redness, pain, tearing, watery eyes, swelling, blurriness, grittiness in your eyes, light sensitivity, headaches, seeing halos, and eyelid twitching. Rare signs of this eye condition include vision loss and changes in color perception.
Sunglasses often get dismissed as a stylish fashion accessory, but they’re the ideal solution for managing the amount of direct sunlight your eyes receive. They protect against bright UV light and lower your risk of eye damage, but not all sunglasses are created equal.
UV sunglasses are essential and aim for sunglasses that say 100% UV protection or UV absorption up to 400 nm. Be sure to check the lens quality of whatever you buy, and pick oversized or wraparound lenses for higher protection.
The sunny months draw us outside to enjoy the fun, but be sure to protect your eyes out there. Make an appointment with the medical team at Bronx Eye Associates today to get the best ways to protect your eyes this summer.
