What is the effect of UV light on your eyes?

UV light is harmful. Put sunscreen while going outside. Creams with UV protection, glasses with UV protection, etc. etc.

How often have you not heard about UV light, SPF and what not? Is it really that harmful? What’s so dangerous about getting a little sunburned? Really? Well, how about going blind?

Yes, that’s how dangerous UV light exposure is on your eyes.

So, what exactly is UV Light?

UV light or ultraviolet light is a form of radiation not visible to naked eyes. It is present in the sunrays and artificial sources like a tanning booth, fluorescent lamps, germicidal lamps etc. Exposure to UV light in low quantity helps in vitalizing bones, muscles and the immune system. There are three types of UV light — UVA, UVB and UVC.

UVA is the radiation that passes through your cornea and affects the retina. This is the type of radiation that penetrates your skin and damages your DNA. Prolonged exposure to this light can cause skin cancer.

UVB radiation is less dangerous than UVB but prolonged exposure to this light can also cause skin cancer. This radiation doesn’t penetrate your skin but causes your skin to tan. This light is also responsible for vitalizing your bones and boosting immunity. Morning light contains UVB. Hence, it is advisable to stroll out in the morning to boost your immunity.

UVC can also penetrate the skin and damage your DNA. However, this light radiation is blocked by the stratosphere and cannot reach us.

Effect of UV Light -

1. Cataracts

UV light exposure can cause cataracts. In a cataract, a cloudy region is formed in the lens of your eyes and disrupts your vision. Your vision gets blurry. You see double visions or see halos around bright lights. You have trouble seeing in the night. Cataracts can be removed through surgery where an artificial lens is placed in your eyes.

You should wear sunglasses while outdoors and glasses with UV protection indoors. You can check cheap prescription glasses and get them made with a UV filter. Or you can get transition glasses that work as sunglasses outdoors and normal glasses when in normal or dimmer light. It will protect your eyes from harmful UV rays anywhere.

2. Snow Blindness

Snow blindness or photokeratitis can occur when you are exposed to UV reflections off snow, ice, sand or water. This condition can amplify from the severe cold and dryness. Symptoms include blurry vision, swelling and watery eyes.

Whenever you are in a snowy region remember to always wear sunglasses or protective eyewear. Sudden exposure can cause dry eyes and affect your eyes severely. Not just any sunglasses but those made with polarised lenses. Only polarised sunglasses effectively block UVA light.

3. Eye cancer

Prolonged exposure to UV light can cause eye cancer. If you frequently go out in strong sunlight without any protective eyewear, you have a higher chance of getting this disease. Particularly UVA light will damage your DNA causing eye cancer and skin cancer. Also, UV light emitted from various light sources indoors can put you at risk of developing this disease.

Wearing anti-glare glasses, transition glasses or blue light glasses can protect your eyes from eye cancer. You can buy spectacles online in a very affordable range. There are various styles and shades available at reasonable prices. Not just you protect your eyes, you will look fashionable and cool.

4. Surfer’s eye

Surfer’s eye or Pterygium is an eye disease where the conjunctiva of your eyes are reddened and swollen. A yellow spot or bump is formed on the white part of your eye. Its symptoms include dry and itchy eyes. You will feel that some dirt is stuck in your eyes and your vision becomes blurry.

Prevention is better than cure. Not wearing sunglasses while going outside the sunlight can increase the risk of getting various eye diseases. While in a snowy region, or desert or the ocean, you have a risk of getting snow blindness, wearing sunglasses or any protective goggles can save your eyes from future peril. So, use them.

Sunglasses or any glasses doesn’t diminish your look. It adds to your flair. Check out the various online glasses and decide for yourself.