Why can’t you look at the sun for a long time? An ophthalmologist has outlined the consequences of

Why can’t you look at the sun for a long time? An ophthalmologist has outlined the consequences of

We tell you how to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.

Ophthalmologist of the Eye Microsurgery Clinic “I see”.

“The sun’s rays have the same effect on all organs of the body – they are able to heat the surface and cause burns.”

• What happens to our eyes when we look at the sun?

• Symptoms of eye damage from sun exposure

What happens to our eyes when we look at the sun?

Ultraviolet radiation such as UVB and UVA penetrates the unprotected eye, and the cornea of the eye acts as a shield against ultraviolet radiation. It is at the front of the eye and blocks much of the UV rays on their way to the back structures of the eye. However, UV rays, if the eye is not protected, penetrate through the thickness of the cornea, the lens of the eye and reach the retina.

Exposure of the retina to ultraviolet light can cause pathological changes in its structure. The cornea gets burned. In the crystalline lens of the eye early processes begin, leading to its clouding, which is called cataract.

Most often the surge of patients with corneal burns is recorded after the solar eclipse occurs, which people try to see with unprotected eyes, using films, colored glasses and other household filters. In addition, it’s summer and vacation season.

The seasonal danger of sun exposure is exacerbated when a person is in the mountains or on the sea south coast, where the sun is brighter and the sun’s rays reflected from water or snow surfaces are greater. It is believed that the sun is most active when it is at or above the horizon line, i.e. in the first half of the day.

Symptoms of eye damage from sun exposure

Most often, patients complain of tearing, tearing in the eyes, photophobia and even deterioration of vision. UV radiation can cause a diagnosis such as photokeratitis, or corneal burn, which requires medical attention and treatment.

The best protection from the sun’s rays for your eyes is sunglasses. The most reliable are sunglasses with UV filters of at least 400, with black and brown tinted lenses. This means that such glasses retain rays with a wavelength of up to 400 nanometers and thus protect the structures of the eye from burns and harmful effects.

If eye irritation from the sun cannot be avoided, “artificial tear” drops are recommended, which should be injected two or three times a day. Moisturizing the cornea will help relieve unpleasant symptoms.

There is no such thing as safe sun exposure. Depending on the sensitivity of your eyes, you may need protection even in cloudy weather, as everyone’s eyes react differently to the sun’s rays.