Longer hours of sunlight during the summer increase exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which can contribute to a range of eye conditions, including cataracts, macular degeneration, photokeratitis and pterygium, a condition often known as “surfer’s eye” because of its link to sun and wind exposure.
Specialists say the most effective basic precautions are certified sunglasses with UV protection and the use of sunscreen on the skin around the eyes, an area that is particularly vulnerable to sun damage.
Dr Lucía Galletero, from the Spanish ophthalmology clinic Miranza, said solar radiation can have a particular effect on the retina.
“It has been shown that ultraviolet radiation damages the retinal microenvironment and is a risk factor for diseases such as macular degeneration,” she said.
Another serious risk is solar maculopathy, or solar retinopathy, an injury caused by looking directly at the sun, even for a few seconds. Experts say the warning is especially relevant ahead of the solar eclipse on 12 August.
“These are irreversible injuries that can cause vision problems or small blind spots, known as scotomas,” Dr Galletero said.
Such injuries can damage the light-sensitive cells of the retina and, in some cases, the harm may become permanent. Prolonged sun exposure can also lead to dry eyes, irritation and other discomfort.
Summer risks beyond sunlight
Although ultraviolet radiation is one of the main threats to eye health during the summer, it is not the only one.
Heat, wind, air conditioning and evaporation can all contribute to dry eyes, while contact with seawater or swimming pool water may irritate the surface of the eye and affect the tear film.
Miranza specialists also point out that solar radiation does not only affect the internal structures of the eye, but also the skin around it.
The skin in the eye area is among the most sensitive parts of the face because it is thinner and has lower levels of collagen, elastin and fatty tissue. This makes it more vulnerable to the effects of ultraviolet radiation.
As a result, cumulative sun exposure can accelerate photoageing, leading to premature wrinkles, dark spots and loss of firmness around the eyelids and surrounding area.
For this reason, experts say sunglasses alone are not enough. Sunscreen should also be applied carefully around the eyes, using products suitable for this sensitive part of the face.
They also stress that sunglasses should be certified, fitted with ultraviolet filters and bought from specialised stores.
Dark lenses without certified UV protection may be inadequate and can even create a false sense of safety. Because they cause the pupil to dilate, they may allow more harmful radiation to enter the eye.
Children, outdoor athletes, people with light-coloured eyes and those with pre-existing eye conditions are considered especially vulnerable to the cumulative effects of solar radiation. In these cases, preventive measures are even more important for protecting long-term eye health.
Source: CNA
