Did you know that it’s as important to protect your eyes from the sun as it is to protect your skin?

Asian Eye Institute cornea and external disease specialist Dr. Sharlene Noguera explains: “The sun has ultraviolet (UV) rays that can have harmful longterm and short-term effects on the eyes. Catagorized as UVA and UVB, these UV rays are linked to development of blinding eye diseases and growths on the eye.”

UVA rays can pass through the cornea, affecting the back part of the eye. These can lead to blinding eye diseases such as cataract and macular degeneration.

UVB rays, on the other hand, harm your cornea. They cause growths on the eye such as pinguecula (a yellowish, noncancerous bump on the sclera or the white part of the eye) and pterygium (pink, fleshy tissue that starts to grow on the sclera and extends over the cornea). They may cause itching, stinging, dry eyes and foreign body sensation.

Photokeratitis or sunburn of the eyes is also more likely to develop in people who spend a lot of time at the beach or in the snow. A temporary damage to the eyes, photokeratitis is painful and may result in red eyes, a foreign body sensation, sensitivity to light and excessive tearing.

Dr. Noguera urges everyone to protect their eyes from the UV rays to prevent eye damage.
“Never look directly at the sun as this can cause damage in the retina, and avoid going outside when the sun is high or from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you really need to go outdoors, wear good quality eyewear. Sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays and preferably those frames with a close-fitting wraparound style can provide your eyes the best protection.

“You can also ask your optometrist for UV-coated prescription glasses and performance or sports sunglasses for outdoor activities, or you can wear a wide-brimmed hat to reduce the amount of UV rays that can reach your face and eyes.

“Sun damage doesn’t only occur in summer or whenever the sun is out. It can occur anytime during the year, even on cloudy days,” she warns. “UV rays can pass through clouds, so eye protection is always a must. It will also help if you pay your ophthalmologist a visit every year to monitor your eye health.” (Story/Photo by: Charizze Henson)