Eyes and sun: the ultraviolet danger for the vision

We know well about what damage our skin is exposed to from UV radiation. But few people know how the same ultraviolet rays affect our vision. What do you need to know, so that the summer vacation does not turn out to be a deterioration of vision and other health problems? This is in our new article.

Dry eye syndrome

The first symptoms that indicate the onset of the disease – pain in the eyes and severe burning. Often, patients complain about the presence of something, which can not be removed. A bit later, there is a sharp deterioration of vision. It is not difficult to recognise the disease. All of these symptoms are less pronounced in the morning, but by evening, they become merely unbearable. Fatigue increases significantly, and efficiency, on the contrary, drops sharply. The mechanism of “dry eye” starts after a strong reduction of the warm liquid that is emitted by the eyes. Besides, its composition varies greatly, which can no longer fully ensure the functioning of vision. It is a disease of “dry eye” not very dangerous if timely start treatment. To partial or complete blindness can lead complications that must be strictly avoided.

Snow blindness

Like the previous disease, this ailment does not develop instantaneously. It manifests itself gradually during the regular exposure of ultraviolet radiation to unprotected eyes. The retina of the eye is collapsing progressively, and patients begin to feel a very sharp pain in the eye, fear starts with light, abundant tears flow. Quite often, there is a short-term total loss of vision that scares the most. After urgent treatment, sight is returned, but processes launched inside the retina are already considered to be irreversible. The problems with vision will now become regular.

Pterygium

The emergence of this disease also is provoked by prolonged exposure of ultraviolet radiation. There are no specific complaints at first because there will be no pain. But a specialist will quickly diagnose because a partial increase in the conjunctiva to eyes is already very well seen. The opaque area partially closes the transparent cornea, resulting in a sharp deterioration of vision. The more the eye’s surface will be sealed, the worse the visibility will be, and eventually, there will be complete blindness.

Conjunctivitis and keratitis

Quite often, these two diseases are combined in one and called keratoconjunctivitis. It all begins with a steady burn of the retina, after which rapidly aseptic inflammation fascinating not only the cornea but also the conjunctiva of the upper and lower eyelids. Progressing acute catarrhal phenomena, with which small ulcers and small bubbles are formed. All these changes are very painful, significantly worsening the general condition of the person. If these symptoms also add viral or bacterial complications, the risk of loss of vision increases sharply.

Cataract

Scientists are already tired of repeating that clouding of the lens most often comes from the influence of ultraviolet radiation. And without it, the whole structure of refraction of light in the eyeball is completely destroyed. The first symptoms are the appearance in the eyes of flies, the duality of objects and increased yellowness all around. As soon as one of these signs takes place, you should immediately contact an ophthalmologist, because the cataract progresses very quickly. Soon the cloudiness of the lens is complete, and there is blindness.

Sunglasses for protection

To avoid the formation of free radicals on the retina of the eye, you should wear sunglasses. However, it is essential to pick up quality sunglasses, which is sold exclusively in optics and in any case, not in the markets. Such sunglasses have a special spray that absorbs sunlight. If you are suffering from myopia or farsightedness, choose chameleon glasses with appropriate diopters and a sunscreen effect.

Another effective way to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of the sun – contact lenses that do not pass ultraviolet light. They are better protection from lateral rays, which are more dangerous than straight ones. However, lenses are not able to: replace sunglasses completely: they do not cover the eyes and the perimeter zone completely. So, if you live in the south, and spend a lot of time in the sun, wear lenses and sunglasses, or a hat with wide fields.