Sun Rays And Your Eyes

Sun Rays And Your Eyes

By Dr. Charinun Jirapaphaisan

Ophthalmologist, Vibhavadi Hospital

As we all know, sunlight is a crucial factor that leads to various premature bodily deterioration, including your precious eyes.

• UV radiation from sunlight triggers the degradation of collagen tissues in the eye, causing the ocular tissues to deteriorate and become thicker. As we observe, it turns the dark eyes into a jelly-like substance, causing eye irritation and redness in the left eye when exposed to light.

• The conjunctiva, also part of the deteriorating ocular tissues, thickens and accumulates more tissue and blood vessels as a consequence of UV radiation. In simple terms, it develops into red, sticky tissue on the dark eyes, which may require surgical treatment if it becomes severe.

• The cornea, when exposed to UV radiation, undergoes molecular changes that result in the deterioration of its clarity, turning it into a cloudy lens and impairing vision.

• Studies have shown that UV radiation directly contributes to the degeneration of the central focal point of the retina, which enlarges the image projected onto the optic nerve.

Tips: Wearing sunglasses is the simplest method to protect your eyes from sunlight and UV rays, helping to preserve our vision for a longer time.

• Dry eye syndrome is often encountered during hot summers and equally during cold winters.

Tips: Take frequent breaks to rest your eyes while working, avoid direct exposure to air conditioning or fans blowing onto your face, and use artificial tears to alleviate dryness when necessary. Drinking plenty of water and consuming a generous amount of fruits and vegetables are essential for the golden age group as they tend to experience dry eye problems more frequently during the hot season.

• Allergies are prevalent among individuals who suffer from seasonal allergies, occurring at the transition from late summer to early rainy seasons, resulting in intensified eye itching.

Tips: Try to avoid contact or exposure to environments with dust particles and pollen from flowers or grass, as they can be the cause of allergies.