A bright and sunny day, we all love it, don’t we? However, it is one of the few things that is harmful to your eyes. We may not realise it, but the sun can damage your eyes. The good news is that the damage isn’t permanent.
Dr Nandita Rane - a leading ophthalmologist in Chembur has over the years undertaken the task of educating people about eye damage caused by the sun. In this blog, she will be extending her knowledge to the readers and providing valuable information that not many of us would be aware of.
Common Eye Conditions Caused by UV Exposure:
While the sun is a natural source of light its multiple rays can cause damage at different levels.
UVA: The lower energy UVA rays that can go past through the cornea to the lens and retina are related to the development of eye conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts.
UVB: UVB rays that make it through the ozone layer are absorbed by the cornea and can result in eye conditions such as pterygia, photokeratitis, and pingueculae.
UVC: These are considered to be the most dangerous rays, however, they are majorly blocked by the ozone layer.
Staring straight at the sun, with no protection, for just 100 seconds is enough for permanent retinal damage.
Consistent and prolonged exposure to the harmful rays of the sun can be damaging to the eyes. Hence, it is advised to invest in sunglasses that offer quality protection and care.
If the sunglasses you have bought do not offer 100% UV protection, there is a chance for the sun to do its bad deed- negatively affecting your eyes. There are a plethora of inferior quality sunglasses available on the market. While they may serve your styling purpose, they fail to cater to the primary purpose of protection. Therefore, you must purchase only branded sunglasses from certified dealers.
Dr Nandita Rane, a trusted eye specialist in Chembur suggests investing in sunglasses that offer the maximum level of protection. UV 400 sunglasses are an ideal choice as they protect your eyes from 99% UVB and UVA rays.
The other effective way is to limit your time in the sun. This will not only lower the risks of eye damage but also protect your skin.
To be honest, we cannot just sit in our homes and step out at night like vampires. Therefore, in addition to the sunglasses, you can add an extra layer of protection by opting for wide-brimmed hats, sun caps, and ball caps.
While the focus of the article has been on the eyes, we must not forget that the sun can be equally harsh on the skin too. Hence, it’s imperative to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
Many people are not aware of sun damage and it often goes unnoticed. Hence, you must regularly get your eyes checked. Sun damage to the eyes may not be permanent but it develops gradually and must be treated by a professional eye specialist doctor before it escalates. Get in touch with Dr Nandita Rane today and take the first step towards quality eye health.