UV protection for eyes important every season

Date: 9/2/2016

GREATER SPRINGFIELD – The media has made us all sun-smart in recent years, and most of us will be sure to grab sunscreen when we head out for some waning-days-of summer outdoor fun.

But have you thought about the sun’s effects on your eyes? It turns out that no matter the season, UV radiation from the sun can be just as damaging to your sight as it can be to your skin, potentially even leading to eye cancer.

To get the facts on protecting your sight whenever the sun shines, Reminder Publications contacted Dr. Andrew Jusko, an ophthalmologist with Eyesight and Surgery Associates. Jusko, who has been treating patients in the practice’s Springfield office since 2004 and East Longmeadow office since 2015, graciously answered the following questions about sunlight, your eyes, and why those sunglasses should be more than a fashion accessory.

We’ve all done it – spent time in the sun without wearing sunglasses. Most look at it as an inconvenience, but there can be consequences. What are some of the problems that can develop when the eye is not routinely protected from the UV radiation in sunlight?

“Much like your skin, eyes are also sensitive to long term, or unprotected exposure to strong UV exposure. Unprotected UV exposure increases the risk of several eye deceases such as premature cataracts, growths on the eye (known as a ptyergium), and yes even cancer. Additionally looking directly at the sun could cause solar retinopathy, which is damage to the retina from the sun’s radiation.”

If you expose your skin to UV rays unprotected you can get a sunburn, is there a similar effect on your eyes?

“While it is not called a sunburn, your eyes can also have damage caused by excessive short term effects after being unprotected. This is a condition called photokeratitis, which in a sense is like a sunburn of the eyes that is very painful. Symptoms include red eyes, foreign body (sandy sensation), and extreme light sensitivity. Fortunately these symptoms are typically temporary.”

Should we be worried about the sun’s effects on our eyes only during the summer, when we spend more time outdoors, or is UV exposure a year-round issue for eye health?

“Sun exposure is not limited to summer time. Most people forget that the sun’s UV rays are still strong in the winter, even if they aren’t as warm and inviting as they are in the summer. UV rays can be particularly harmful in the winter months when the sun’s rays reflect off the snow causing a bright reflection resulting in “snow blindness.” Snow Blindness symptoms can be very alarming and including irritation, red eye, blurry vision, swelling, and watering eyes. It is also important to remember that like your skin being unprotected on a cloudy or overcast day, UV rays passing through the clouds can also damage your eyes.

What are some basic steps individuals can take to protect their eyes from UV damage?

“The best way to protect your eyes is to purchase a pair of polarized sunglasses which are available with or without a prescription. While polarized sunglasses are more expensive they help protect your eyes in addition to reducing glare and other visual defects. If you cannot afford or do not want to invest in a pair of polarized sunglasses make sure the sunglasses you buy have a UV rating of at least 400+ (which blocks all UVA and UVB rays). Using sunglasses that are dark but do not have UV protection can cause your pupils to dilate without protection actually making them more susceptible to damage. There are also some common sense precautions to take, such as never staring directly at the sun, and limiting prolonged sun/UV exposure.