June 8, 2022

Eye health: how to protect your eyes from UV rays

The skin is not the only organ that needs sun protection. Our eyes also deserve to be armed against the notorious damaging effects of ultraviolet rays which, although invisible, are no less dangerous for the ocular structures. Innoxa gives you some advice on how to preserve your eyes' sun capital.

What are the different types of ultraviolet light?

There are three families of ultraviolet (UV) light:

  • UVA: this is the most dangerous for the eyes, as it can affect the lens in adults and the retina in children;
  • UVB: these are absorbed by the lens in adults, which is absolutely not the case in children;
  • UV C: this last type is not dangerous because it is almost completely blocked by the ozone in the atmosphere.

Why is ultraviolet radiation dangerous?

UVA and UVB affect the eyes in three different ways:

  • by direct radiation: this fluctuates according to the season, altitude and geographical area;
  • by UV scattering: this is the result of the reflection of the sun's rays, and therefore varies according to the clouds;
  • by UV reflection: this depends on the nature of the soil. It is known that snow, for example, has a reverberation power 7 times greater than that of water.

What are the signs of overexposure to the sun?

Unlike infrared rays, whose harmful effects are felt almost immediately, UV rays are delayed and are sometimes hard to perceive. This is what makes them even more insidious. It is therefore important to learn to recognize the first signs of overexposure to the sun's rays. Among the most characteristic symptoms are: excessive tearing, hypersensitivity to light, stinging, itching, redness...

What damage does UV radiation cause to the eyes?

All ocular structures can be potentially affected, independently or jointly, by prolonged and repeated exposure to UV:

  • Eyelids: like the entire skin surface, the eyelids can be victims of burns (sunburn);
  • the cornea: lack of protection can lead to corneal ulcerations (keratitis), which can become chronic in case of regular overexposure;
  • the lens: excessive exposure to UV light is a risk factor for premature cataract;
  • the retina: an accumulation of ultraviolet doses increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

How can you protect yourself from the harmful effects of UV radiation?

Adopting quality sun protection is the only effective alternative to the risks associated with overexposure to the sun. But in any case, it is imperative to limit the time spent in the sun as much as possible. It is even recommended that babies and infants should not be exposed to the sun at all. For older children, no exposure should be made without wearing sunglasses. It should be remembered that up to the age of 12, the crystalline lens allows almost 75% of UV rays to pass through, compared with 10% after the age of 25.