The Need for Sun Protection: How UV Radiation Affects Vision Health

Exposure to natural sunlight is often linked to a wide range of health benefits, from facilitating vitamin D production for bone and muscle health to regulating one’s mood and boosting overall mental health. However, spending prolonged hours under the sun can be a health hazard due to the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

UV radiation from natural sunlight can reach the skin, not only causing sunburn and premature aging but also increasing the risk of different types of skin cancers. In this light, the suncare brand Neutrogena emphasizes the need to apply sunscreen and reevaluate sun protection habits, as there has been a rising incidence of non-melanoma skin cancers in the United States.

But beyond damaging the skin, excessive sun exposure can also affect vision health, entailing a closer look at the connection between UV radiation and the risk of developing serious eye conditions. The eye health-related risks of UV radiation, which will be discussed below, also urge individuals of all ages to incorporate eye care into their daily sun-safe practices.

The link between UV radiation and vision problems

As previously mentioned, UV rays can reach the eyes and contribute to the development and progression of various eye conditions. A literature review published in the journal Translational Research in Anatomy notes that certain ocular structures, such as the cornea, can be vulnerable to UV radiation. Increased UV exposures can thus result in photokeratitis or sunburn of the eyes, as well as abnormal growths like pterygium, which is characterized by a triangular, fleshy growth that starts in the corner of the eye.

The study also found that when harmful wavelengths of UV rays between the 300-350 nanometer range reach the lens and retina, the eye becomes more susceptible to oxidative stress. Over time, oxidative damage in the eye’s internal structures can serve as a risk factor for progressive eye diseases. These include cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, which can all lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated.

Lastly, prolonged UV exposure can exacerbate existing eye conditions like dry eye disease, as the sun’s rays can cause tears to evaporate more quickly. This leads to more frequent and severe dry eye symptoms, including dryness, soreness, irritation, and physical pain and discomfort. Considering these wide-ranging effects of UV radiation on vision health, the following section outlines sun-safe practices that help minimize the eyes’ exposure to UV rays.

Sun-safe practices for better vision health

Wear sunglasses when outdoors

Sunglasses function as a physical barrier against the sun’s UV rays, making it crucial for individuals to confirm that the lenses are labeled with 100% UV protection. In some cases, the sunglasses’ ability to filter UV rays will be indicated as UV400, which means it can block light rays with harmful wavelengths of up to 400 nanometers.

Meanwhile, those with existing vision problems like myopia and astigmatism may consider wearing prescription sunglasses that equally provide sun protection and clear vision when outdoors. Eyewear retailer Sunglass Hut lets customers can add their own prescription to protective frame styles, such as the oversized Versace Biggie and the universal-fit Oakley Holbrook with polarized lenses. The retailer also provides aftercare services in stores and online to ensure the sunglasses’ quality and comfort for outdoor use.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat

In addition to sunglasses, a hat can help block the amount of UV rays that reach the eyes and the surrounding skin, which can be particularly sensitive to sun damage since it’s thinner than other parts of the face. So, it helps to choose hats with a wide brim for maximum coverage, such as a bucket hat, safari hat, or boater hat.

Brands like Columbia, REI, and Sunday Afternoons typically offer these protective hat styles with ergonomic designs and features like adjustable straps and good ventilation. Sun hats must also be made of materials like cotton, linen, nylon, and polyester to balance comfort, breathability, and durability.

Limit your hours under the sun

It’s worth noting that while the sun’s UV rays are present regardless of the weather or season, they are most intense at certain times of the day, such as midday and early afternoon. Higher altitudes and reflective surfaces like roads, bodies of water, and snow can also affect UV exposure. Overall, it helps to plan activities when going outdoors to limit hours spent under the sun and avoid being exposed to peak UV radiation.

In addition to these daily practices that combine eye care and sun protection, individuals of all ages must remember to schedule regular eye examinations to continuously monitor their vision and overall eye health.

Fortunately, eye care providers like EyeCheq have developed fully automated platforms that not only help test visual acuity but can also screen for ocular symptoms and pathology in the eye’s internal structures. By leveraging the accessibility of eye care services like eye tests, patients can receive appropriate treatment and management for UV-related eye conditions, such as cataracts and glaucoma.