UVA and UVB rays can damage the most fragile areas of the eyes and increase the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, eye cancer and photokeratitis. To protect yourself, it is essential to wear suitable glasses.
When we think about the dangers of sun exposure, we think primarily of our skin. Yet, ultraviolet rays are also a threat to our eyes. According to a 2014 study cited by Time, these rays can damage very sensitive eye structures such as the lens. And over Time, these lesions increase the risk of diseases that affect vision.
The back of the eye, where the retina is located, has a delicate central area called the macula.
Without glasses, light enters the eye and hits the macula like a laser beam. UV damage has been shown to increase the risk of macular degeneration, one of the leading causes of age-related blindness.
Sun exposure also increases the risk of cataracts, eye cancer, and a sunburn-like form of eye damage called photokeratitis, which can cause temporary blindness or blurred vision.
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The risk of sun-related eye damage is greater at certain times of the day and in certain contexts. Water, snow, and car windshields can reflect light. Spending Time on a boat, in the snow, or a vehicle on a sunny day is like receiving a double dose of UV light. In addition, at high altitudes, the sun’s rays are stronger, and eye risks increase.
The solution, you will understand, is to wear glasses. It doesn’t matter what colour they are or whether they’re polarized, as long as they block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays. Price isn’t a guarantee of quality either; cheap eyewear can do the trick. The size of the glasses, on the other hand, does matter. Small round glasses à la John Lennon or rectangular minivres will let rays pass on the sides. Opt for larger models, which provide better protection.
Finally, it is not necessary to put on your glasses when you wake up. You can do without it until 9 or 10 a.m., avoiding looking directly at the sun, as the morning rays are not strong enough to cause damage. Exposure to natural light in the morning helps regulate the body’s internal clocks.
Also Read: Sunscreens: Should You Wear Them Indoors?