Most people understand the risks of sun exposure to their skin, but far fewer realise how harmful UV rays are to their eyes. According to experts from the Association of Optometrists, sun damage is directly linked to premature eye disease. Despite this, only 46% of adults in a poll reported owning sunglasses with proper UV protection. Alarmingly, optometrists see up to 20 patients a month suffering from UV-related eye conditions.
With 40% of people unaware that prolonged UV exposure can lead to severe conditions like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, it’s clear that more needs to be done to protect our vision. Below, we’ll examine three eye diseases caused by UV damage and share tips on preventing them.
Eye diseases caused by UV exposure
Corneal damage
The cornea, the eye’s outermost layer, is particularly susceptible to UV damage. According to an investigation published in the Translational Research in Anatomy journal, the cornea absorbs most UVB and all UVC radiation reaching the eye. This can lead to photokeratitis, akin to a sunburn of the eye. Its symptoms include redness, tearing, and a gritty sensation. In severe cases, it can result in temporary vision loss.
Cataracts
Cataracts, characterised by clouding the eye’s natural lens, are a leading cause of blindness worldwide. While ageing is a primary risk factor, UV exposure significantly accelerates cataract development. Over time, exposure to UVA rays causes the breakdown and clumping of lens proteins, forming cataracts. Symptoms include blurry vision, faded colours, and difficulty seeing at night. UV-induced cataracts progress faster, necessitating earlier surgical intervention to restore vision.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
AMD is a severe condition that affects the central part of the retina, which is responsible for sharp vision. It’s also the most common cause of sight loss in the UK. Prolonged exposure to UV light can damage the retinal cells, contributing to the development of AMD. This disease leads to the gradual loss of central vision, making it difficult to read and recognise faces. UV rays are believed to induce oxidative stress and damage to the retinal tissue, exacerbating the degenerative process.
Preventing UV-related eye damage
Given the potential for serious eye conditions, taking preventive measures against UV damage is essential. Among the most effective ways to protect your eyes is by wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. For this, the AOP advises opting for frames bearing the CE mark to ensure quality and maximum protection.
Fortunately, online retailers now carry affordable sunglasses that meet this standard. Glasses Direct’s Jaden sunglasses, for one, can be customised with a dark tint, offering complete UV protection. The frames also feature oversized lenses that are ideal for shielding the entire eye area. Additionally, pairing sunglasses with a wide-brimmed hat like Solbari’s Go-To Bucket Hat can further safeguard your eyes from direct sunlight.
Aside from wearing sunglasses year-round, regular visits to an eye care professional can help detect early signs of UV damage and related eye conditions. In fact, more than 50% of sight loss is preventable, underscoring the importance of getting eye exams to prevent or limit eye damage caused by certain diseases. The NHS recommends that adults have their eyes tested every two years. This frequency will ensure any sudden changes to your eyesight are detected quickly, and a treatment plan can be put in place.
Technology can further support preventing and detecting UV-related eye issues, especially as the use of artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more prevalent in ophthalmology. A study recently found how AI learning models can accurately identify and diagnose infectious keratitis, the leading cause of corneal blindness. Likewise, AI is being considered for screening retinal diseases like AMD and diabetic retinopathy, with great potential in monitoring for disease recurrence and planning or performing robotic surgery. Considering the rapid development of these technologies, it may be possible to detect UV-related diseases in their earliest stages and ensure these don’t progress.
While the sun is a vital source of light and energy, its UV rays pose significant risks to eye health. By understanding these risks and adopting preventive measures, we can protect our vision and maintain healthy eyes for years to come.
