While some exposure to sunlight can be enjoyable, too much is
dangerous, causing immediate effects like blistering sunburns,
as well as longer-term problems like eye damage.
Ultraviolet radiation is composed of high-energy rays from
the sun. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation (“sunburn
rays”) may contribute to the development of various eye
disorders, such as: age-related macular degeneration, the
leading cause of vision loss among older Americans; and
cataracts, a major cause of visual impairment and blindness.
Everyone is at risk for eye damage that can lead to vision loss
from exposure to the sun.
It’s important to protect your eyes from acute damage caused
by even a single outing on a very bright day. Intense, excessive
exposure to ultraviolet light reflected off sand, snow or
pavement can damage the eye’s surface. Similar to sunburns,
eye surface burns usually disappear within a couple of days,
but may lead to further complications later in life.
To ensure your eyes are protected, wear sunglasses and a
broad-rimmed hat. When selecting sunglasses, make sure they
block 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays. But don’t be
deceived by color or cost. The ability to block UV light is not
dependent on the darkness of the lens or the price tag.
Also, while out enjoying the sun in the water, remember to
wear swimming goggles whenever you swim. Chlorine can
make your eyes red and puffy, and ponds and lakes may have
bacteria that can get underneath contact lenses and cause
inflammation of the cornea.
Just some helpful tips from the Doctors of Back To Action Chiropractic.
Dr. Jerry Dreessen and Dr. Jason Gilmore
Enjoy Your Summer
