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Educational Content Series:
Sunbathing and Your EyesSunbathing May Increase Your Risk of Certain Eye Conditions A higher risk of skin cancer isn't the only disadvantage of sunbathing outdoors. Spending too much time out in the sun can also harm your eyes. How Sunbathing Affects Your Eyes The ultraviolet (UV) rays produced by the sun can be harmful. Although UV light does play a positive role in physical and mental health, frequent or prolonged exposure damages the tissues in the body, including those in the eyes. In many cases, the damage isn't apparent for decades. Sunbathing outdoors can increase your risk of developing these eye conditions and diseases: - Cataracts: Cataracts form when the normally clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy. Symptoms include blurry vision, glare, halos around lights, poor night vision, and faded colors. According to a study funded in part by the National Eye Institute, UV light damages lens proteins, triggering the changes that cause cataracts.
- Photokeratitis: Photokeratitis is a type of sunburn caused by natural and artificial UV light sources. Photokeratitis affects the sensitive tissues of the conjunctiva, the white part of the eye, and the cornea, the clear, rounded tissue that covers the iris and pupil. In addition to redness, symptoms of photokeratitis can include pain, blurred vision, tearing, sensitivity to lights, headaches, and halos around light.
- Cancer: UV light exposure may also increase your risk of cancer in your eye and in the skin around your eye. Depending on where the cancer is located, temporary or permanent vision loss could occur.
- Macular Degeneration: Macular degeneration causes blurry or blind spots in your central vision. Years of sun exposure can lead to the death of cells in the center of your retina, the layer of light-sensing cells at the back of your eye. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness and vision loss in New Zealand, according to Macular Degeneration New Zealand. In addition to central vision changes, macular degeneration symptoms can include trouble recognizing faces, difficulty seeing in low light, and faded colors.
- Pterygium: Growths called pterygium may form on your eyes if you frequently use indoor tanning beds or lamps. The growths often develop on the inner or outer edges of the conjunctiva, the whites of your eyes, but can spread across the eye without treatment. Symptoms of pterygium include redness, pain, itching, and burning.
Your level of UV exposure is affected by a number of factors, including: - Medications: If you’re on certain medications, including diuretics, tranquilizers, birth control pills, or tetracyclines, you could be more sensitive to UV radiation.
- Geographic location: UV exposure is greater closer to the earth’s equator.
- Altitude:The risk of UV exposure is increased at higher altitudes.
- Time of day: UV exposure is greater when the sun is higher, typically from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
When you have an increased risk of UV light exposure and damage, you should be especially careful when you’re in the sun, any day of the year.
How to Protect Your Eyes Tanning lotions or spray tans are a safer option for your eyes and your skin. If you decide to try a spray tan, be sure to wear goggles to prevent the spray from irritating your eyes.
If you're not quite ready to give up sunbathing outdoors, reduce your risk of eye damage by - Wearing sunglasses: Wear sunglasses that block 99 – 100% UVA and UVB radiation. They should also screen out about 75 – 90% of all visible light. Your eyes need protection, even when it’s cloudy, since UV rays can penetrate clouds. Wear high-quality sunglasses. Remember to wear them even when you’re in the shade and throughout winter. If you work outside, your sunglasses lenses should be made from polycarbonate and wrap around your face to protect damage at the sides of your eyes.
- Choosing UV-blocking contacts: Contacts that protect against UV rays offer high-quality protection. However, as they do not block out all the UV rays, it is recommended you also wear sunglasses to protect your eyes further.
Regular visits to the optometrist can help you improve and protect your vision. Contact us to schedule your appointment if it's time for an eye exam or you're concerned about pain, a change in vision, or other symptoms. Sources: National Eye Institute: New Research Sheds Light on How UV Rays May Contribute to Cataract, 6/3/14 American Macular Degeneration Foundation: What is Macular Degeneration
Macular Degeneration New Zealand - Key Facts
Nevada Eye Physicians - Tips to Protect Your Eyes from UV Light
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