The recent spell of blue skies and sunshine has been widely welcomed, but it is important not to forget about all the different ways that the sun can impact our health. While many people are quick to apply sunscreen when temperatures rise unexpectedly, eye protection often does not receive the same level of attention.
Why Eye Protection Matters
Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu, clinical adviser at The College of Optometrists, explains: “The eyes are a very delicate structure that enable you to see and there are some effects related to UV exposure that can be harmful to the eyes. We want to make sure that people’s eyes remain healthy, so just like you would protect your skin from sunburn, especially during the summer months or when the UV levels are high between March and October, it is also really important to protect your eyes.”
Short-Term Effects of Sun on Eyes
Photokeratitis
“In the short term, if you have high levels of UV exposure, you can actually get a sunburn of the eye, which is called photokeratitis,” says Bilkhu. “This can be really painful and symptoms can include acute redness, watering, light sensitivity and blurred vision. These symptoms usually occur in both eyes, because both eyes usually have the same level of UV exposure.” He adds that this does not just happen during spates of sunny weather, but can also occur at high altitudes, particularly while skiing. “The sun does not just come directly from the top while skiing, it also bounces from the ground on water, snow and ice. It is important to remember that UV levels can be high and cause damage even if the weather is overcast.”
Dry Eyes
“Heat in the air, whether you are outdoors or indoors, is more likely to cause evaporation from the surface of the eye, which is why people are more likely to experience dryness of the eye in warmer climates,” explains Bilkhu.
Long-Term Effects of Sun on Eyes
Skin Cancer
“In the long term, high levels of UV exposure to the eye over a prolonged period of time can increase your risk of skin cancers around the eye,” says Bilkhu. “One of the most common types of skin cancer is called basal cell carcinoma, which although is quite relatively slow growing, does risk serious damage to the eye.”
Increased Risk of Cataracts and Macular Degeneration
“There is also an association between UV exposure and actual eye diseases, such as cataract formation,” says Bilkhu. “So, if you spend a lot more time outdoors and the yearly levels are high, you are more likely to get a more severe case of cataracts at an earlier age. Similarly, there has also been a link associated between yearly UV exposure and the development and the severity of macular degeneration, which left untreated can lead to permanent vision loss.”
Tips to Protect Your Eyes
Check the UV Index
“Most weather websites or apps will have a UV index, and when the levels are above three we are usually told that this is the time to take precaution about using sunscreen on your skin, and I would argue that this is also the time to take action about protecting your eyes by wearing good-quality sunglasses,” advises Bilkhu.
Get Any Symptoms Checked Out by a Professional
“If you do experience any symptoms, you need to get them checked out by an eye health professional,” recommends Bilkhu. “Contact your local optometrist and make sure you get an appointment with them to examine your eyes, so they can work out what the problem is and then give the relative treatment.”
Choose Good-Quality Sunglasses
“A lot of people assume that with sunglasses, the darker the tint the more protection it will provide, but this is actually a myth,” says Bilkhu. “It is more important to look out for two key marks, either the CE mark or the UKCA mark, as that shows that the sunglasses have been manufactured to British standards to ensure it protects you against harmful UV light. If you are in doubt or are unsure, your local optometrist will be able to give you the best advice and ensure that the glasses not only provide the protection you need, but also fit properly.”
Wear a Wide-Brimmed Hat
“Make sure you wear a wide-brimmed hat as well, particularly if you are vulnerable to sunburn, because that acts as an extra level of protection,” recommends Bilkhu.
Consider Wrap-Around Sunglasses
“Consider a wrap-around style of sunglasses because you are more likely to get better protection with these as they will block the UV lights coming from the side,” says Bilkhu.
Attend Regular Eye Tests
“Even if you do not have any symptoms, make sure that you attend regular eye tests with your local optometrist, which are usually every two years,” says Bilkhu. “That is the best way to spot not only eye problems, but also health problems as well.”
