Sun Exposure and Cataracts ? How to Protect Your Eyes

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are 18 million people around the world who are blind due to cataracts. Five percent of those 18 million people can attribute their cataract-caused blindness directly to exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also notes the correlation between ultraviolet radiation and eye problems, including cataracts.

The WHO and the EPA further suggest protection from ultraviolet (UV) radiation to prevent eye damage. The WHO has developed a UV index to indicate when the risk of damaging rays are highest. The UV index refers to the level of UV radiation present under different conditions. For example, the UV index is higher when you are around a reflective surface such as water or snow than when you are surrounded by grass and soil.

Symptoms of over-exposure to UV radiation include puffiness and redness (photoconjunctivitis), and /or darkened, spotty vision. While normal vision usually returns if the person does not repeatedly experience UV exposure, permanent damage can be done by repeated or prolonged exposure.

How Can You Protect Your Eyes?

Your vision is precious, so it’s worth it to take some steps toward preventing eye damage from the sun. Here are some precautions you can take.

* Limit your time in the sun during its brightest hours, which is from approximately 11am to 2pm. The time of year, geographical location, and terrain will affect when the brightest light occurs in your area.

* If there is shade available, spend your outdoor time in it as much as possible.

* Sunglasses are a basic but important precaution. Sunglasses with side panels are the most effective. If you have prescription glasses, consider clip-on sunglasses or sunglasses that can be placed over your prescription lenses.

* Don’t go to the tanning salon; it is not good for your skin or your eyes, and you will save money if you change your habits. Maybe you can use the money you save to buy some high-quality sunglasses!

* Wear hats with wide brims that shade your eyes.

* Practice good nutrition and eat a healthy diet. This is good advice for maintaining general health, but it can also make the difference between healthy and diseased eyes. Foods high in lutein, such as blueberries, strawberries, and other berries are good for the eyes. Carrots, which their high vitamin A content, are the traditional food for the eyes for a reason. Eat such foods daily to keep your eyes healthy.

* Don’t look directly at the sun with unprotected eyes at any time of day for any reason. Yes, sunrises and sunsets can be beautiful; but the sun can come up from the horizon or out from behind clouds suddenly. Wear sunglasses to view sunrises or sunsets, and only when the sun itself is below the horizon. Do not ever view a solar eclipse without proper eye protection, and never look directly at the sun during the day.

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