Importance of Protecting Eyes From UV Damage

Importance of Protecting Eyes From UV Damage

Importance of Protecting Eyes From UV Damage

The sun releases radiation in different forms, including the light we see and the heat we feel. Sunlight also produces ultraviolet (UV) rays that are invisible. UV rays are harmful, and they can cause sunburn and damage the eyes and vision.

 

Wearing sunglasses and a hat can help protect your eyes against UV rays. They help filter light, preventing damage from UV radiation. Read on to find out more about the importance of protecting your eyes from UV damage. 

 

Damage to Ocular Structures


 

UV rays can cause damage to all the ocular structures, and these include the eyelids. Avoid outdoor activities when the sunlight is strongest between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. It is vital to realize that an individual can get sunburn even on foggy days.



Sunglasses offer protection against UV light, so you should choose large, wraparound frames for the best protection. A wide-brimmed hat will also help.

 

UV Exposure and Decreased Vision

 


Prolonged exposure to UV rays can affect eye structures and lead to corneal damage, macular degeneration, and cataracts. These eye conditions can result in reduced vision or partial blindness.

 

Cataracts can make it difficult to perform daily activities. The damage is irreversible, and the only way to treat cataracts is through surgery. Protecting the eyes from UV damage will help keep your eyes healthy and your vision sharp.

 

Damage to Eyelid Skin



The skin on the eyelids is the thinnest in the entire body. UV damage can lead to dryness, sagging, wrinkles, skin furrows, and loss of elasticity. Many individuals develop mottled pigmentation due to sun exposure.



UV rays link to skin cancers, including cutaneous melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Large framed sunglasses help protect the skin around the eyes.

 

UV Rays and Cancerous Growths



The front part of the eye absorbs the majority of UV radiation. Damage can lead to cancerous and noncancerous growths. Cornea damage can occur when snow or water reflects light.

 

Squamous cell carcinoma affects not just the skin around the eye but also the inner eye. It can affect the conjunctiva, the cornea, and the inner part of the eye. In some cases, the condition may necessitate the removal of the eye.

 

Damage to the Retina



Staring directly at the sun during an eclipse or at any other time can cause retina damage. It can result in permanently reduced vision. Avoid sun-gazing or any other activities that can damage the eyes. The two main types of UV rays are UVA and UVB. UVA rays can affect central vision, damaging the macula. UVB rays affect the cornea and the eye lens, causing even more damage than UVA rays.

 

It is essential to understand the dangers of exposure to UV rays. Eyewear that absorbs the rays offers the most protection. Photochromatic lenses, UV-blocking materials, and lens coatings can help provide eye protection.

 

Proper eye protection will help block UV rays from the sun and those reflected by the snow, water, and other surfaces. Everyone is at risk of harm from UV radiation, including children.



 

For more on protecting eyes from UV damage, contact Kopolow & Girisgen Doctors of Optometry at our Pearle Vision offices. You can call (702) 452-2020 today to schedule an appointment.

none 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Closed Closed optometrist 7024522020 Mon-Sat 9am-6pm
Sun 10am-5pm Lake Mead Inside LensCrafters 7361 W Lake Mead Blvd #104
Las Vegas, NV 89128 9460 W. Flamingo Rd Ste #100
Las Vegas, NV 89147 Meadows Mall Inside LensCrafters 4300 Meadows Ln #126
Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV, 89107 St. Rose Inside LensCrafters - South Fork Pointe 9975 S Eastern Ave #100
Las Vegas, NV, 89183 Galleria Mall Inside LensCrafters 1300 W Sunset Rd #1617
Henderson, NV, 89014 Pearle Vision at N Green Valley Pkwy 1000 N Green Valley Pkwy. Suite 420
Henderson, NV 89074 Pearle Vision at S Maryland Pkwy 9770 S Maryland Pkwy. Suite 10
Las Vegas, NV 89183 Pearle Vision at Nellis Blvd 230 N Nellis Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89110 Pearle Vision at Sunset Rd 1381 W. Sunset Rd Suite 120
Henderson, NV, 89014 Pearle Vision at Sahara Ave 8145 W Sahara Ave #510
Las Vegas, NV, 89117 Pearle Vision at Tropicana 6160 W. Tropicana Ave Suite E-4
Las Vegas, NV, 89103 Pearle Vision at N. Rainbow 2021 N Rainbow Blvd #100
Las Vegas, NV, 89108 Pearle Vision at S. Rainbow 7090 S. Rainbow. Blvd Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV, 89118 Pearle Vision at Valle Verde 75 S. Valle Verde Pkwy. Suite #100
Henderson, NV 89012 Pearle Vision at Rampart Blvd 2279 N Rampart Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89128 Pearle Vision at Windmill 8025 S Rainbow Blvd. Suite 104
Las Vegas, NV 89139 1820 E. Lake Mead Blvd Suite A-1 North
Las Vegas, NV 89030 https://www.facebook.com/pearlevisionsouthernnevada/ https://www.facebook.com/KopolowGirisgenLasVegasEyeDocs/