16
Oct 2013
Protecting Our Eyes from the Sun
We all know about the dangers related to overexposure to the sun, when it comes to sunburn, heat stroke, and skin cancer.
Because of a greater focus on melanoma, strange spots, and the implications of changing moles by the medical community, many people know how deadly the sun can be to our skin.
What most people are unaware of is the threat posed by the sun to their eyes. Wearing sunglasses is sometimes done as a fashion statement, sometimes done out of necessity so we don’t squint. But what many people are unaware of is the actual damage prolonged unprotected exposure to the sun can do to our eyes and our vision.
Two common problems associated with prolonged exposure to the sun are pinguecula and pterygium.
Pingueculae
A pinguecula is a yellow-colored thickening of the conjunctiva on the white part of the eye (sclera), near the cornea’s edge. Pingueculae generally form on the exposed part of the sclera between the eyelids because of exposure to the sun’s rays. While pingueculae are most common in middle-aged and elderly people, children and younger adults are also at risk.
Symptoms of pingueculae include “foreign body sensation,” which is a feeling of having something stuck in the eye. Pingueculitis is the condition of inflamed and swollen pingueculae, and is usually the result of unprotected exposure to the sun, dryness, and even wind and dust.
Pterygium
Another condition caused by overexposure to the sun is the development of pterygia. Pterygium are elevated growths of the scleral conjunctiva that form in the cornea of the eye. While non-cancerous, they do form scar tissue on the eye and contain blood vessels. A pterygium can form a film over the eye and affect how it appears.
Treatment of pterygium can range from simple eye drops to surgical procedures, depending on the severity of the condition. A pterygium can also lead to astigmatism and have a high likelihood of re-forming after being surgically removed.
Preventing Sun Damage to Eyes
These conditions sound scary and they should. They are painful and can likely affect your quality of life. Thankfully, prevention is easy. Use the same care in protecting your eyes from the sun as you do protecting your skin.
Wear quality sunglasses when you spend time outdoors, even on cloudy days. Select sunglasses that block out 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation and screen out 75 to 90 percent of light.
Today there are plenty of options when it comes to sunglasses, including prescription sunglasses and glasses that transition when the sun’s light changes. If you’ve never been properly fitted for sunglasses or glasses of any kind, one of our trained staff members would be happy to assist you.
Spektacles is San Diego’s trusted source for optometry and eyewear. And don’t think for a second that you can’t wear glasses and look fabulous at the same time! Protect your beautiful eyes so they experience health!
Visit us online at https://www.spektaclessandiego.com or give us a call at 760-452-2895 to schedule an eye exam today!
