Ultraviolet ( UV ) radiation from the sun can have short- and long-term effects on the condition of our eyes
| Eye Health |
SEPTEMBER , 2023 | THE HEALTH
17
Protecting your eyes from UV rays
Ultraviolet ( UV ) radiation from the sun can have short- and long-term effects on the condition of our eyes
BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN
ULTRAVIOLET ( UV ) light is a form of electromagnetic radiation . Due to its incredibly short wavelength , it is invisible to the human eye . Only a tiny portion of the electromagnetic spectrum must be present for the human eye to perceive light .
Optometrist Lee Pooi Wah , from SL Chan Optometrist in Ipoh , Perak , explained : “ UV light can easily penetrate eye tissues compared to visible light , potentially increasing the risk of eye problems . Protection is therefore essential to prevent raising the risks of eye damage .”
TYPES AND SOURCES OF UV LIGHT RADIATION
The primary source of UV light is the sun . There are three varieties of UV light rays : Ultraviolet A ( UVA ), Ultraviolet B ( UVB ) and Ultraviolet C ( UVC ). UVA and UVB rays penetrate the atmosphere , while the ozone layer entirely absorbs UVC rays .
“ UVA emits the least energy but can cause ageing of the skin . Sunburns and most UV-related cancers are caused by UVB , which emits slightly more energy than UVA .
“ UVC is the most harmful because it emits more energy than UVA and UVB . Fortunately , UVC rays from the sun are completely blocked by the Earth ’ s ozone layer ,” said Lee .
The sun is the only natural source of UV radiation ; other artificial sources include welding torches , UV sanitising bulbs , some fluorescent lights and certain lasers .
EFFECTS OF UV LIGHT ON EYES
We are constantly exposed to UV rays because sunlight is present throughout the day , even on cloudy days .
Ninety-nine per cent of the UV radiation is absorbed by the eye ’ s front surface , which passes through the cornea and reaches into the lens and retina . Overexposure will cause eye damage , including ;
• Photokeratitis – an inflammation or likeness of a sunburn that affects the corneas instead of the skin .
• Pinguecula - protein and fat deposit in the white part of the eye ( sclera ). It can irritate and in rare cases , affect how tears cover the eye .
• Pterygium - growth that extends from the sclera to the clear tissue called the cornea , which covers the iris and pupil .
• Cataract - clouding of the eye ’ s crystalline lens . Prolonged exposure to UV rays modifies lens proteins , leading to cataract formation and worsening eyesight .
• Retina Macular Degeneration – the blurring of the central vision due to the breakdown of the macula , the part of the eye that controls sharp , straight-ahead vision .
UV PROTECTION TIPS
Lee said using an umbrella and a widebrimmed hat is one simple and safe way to
Use UV-blocking contact lenses if you wear contact lenses . Nowadays , most contact lenses come with UV filters . Check the packaging for UV protection indicator , or consult your optometrist .”
– Lee Pooi Wah
protect your eyes from direct sunlight .
“ Wear UV-blocking sunglasses . For added protection , it is advised to wear wrap-around sunglasses , which fit and cover a significant portion of the eye .
“ Consider limiting or avoiding outdoor activities when the sunlight is the strongest ,
( L to R ) Lee Pooi Wah , Shalany Mohanam , Ashley Chan , Yeong Siew Chun , Lim Yam Choon .
Lee Pooi Wah
between 10am and 4pm .
“ Use UV-blocking contact lenses if you wear contact lenses . Nowadays , most contact lenses come with UV filters . Check the packaging for UV protection indicator , or consult your optometrist .”
According to Lee , Johnson & Johnson Vision Care offers a wide range of ACUVUE contact lenses equipped with Class 1 UV blocking against UVA and UVB rays .
“ Apart from quality products , Johnson & Johnson Vision Care also gives us good support in providing trial contact lenses and the seamless ordering system ,” she added . – The Health