What Does Sun Exposure Do to Your Eyes?

The summer season may be coming to an end, but the sun is still shining bright! It’s important to remember that sun exposure can pose a threat to your vision if proper precautions aren’t taken. Understanding these effects and knowing how to protect your vision is essential; this way, you can enjoy the final weeks of summer to the fullest.

Impacts of Sun Exposure on the Eyes

Short-Term Effects:

Photokeratitis (eye sunburn): Photokeratitis is a condition caused by excessive exposure of the cornea to UV rays from exposure to the sun, either directly or from reflective surfaces such as sand (or snow, a discussion topic for a different time of year). You don’t even need to stare directly into the sun. The UV light rays damage the outer layer of the cornea and can lead to discomfort.

Solar Retinopathy (retinal burns): Solar Retinopathy is a photochemical injury to the eye’s central retina caused by excessive UV sunlight exposure. It can be caused by looking at the sun during a solar eclipse, sunbathing, or looking at laser pointers. Symptoms usually occur within a few hours or a day after exposure, and include blurry or decreased vision, blind spots, light sensitivity, headaches, and metamorphopsia (the distortion of straight lines). Solar Retinopathy can lead to vision loss, so if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact our office right away so our doctors can assess your condition.

Long-Term Effects:

Cataracts: Cataracts can occur when the eye’s natural lens clouds and can be accelerated by prolonged exposure to the sun. Common symptoms of cataracts include dim, blurry, or cloudy vision, faded or yellow colors, halos around lights at night, increased sensitivity to glare (which makes it hard and painful to see in sunlight or other bright light), and frequent changes in your glasses or contact prescription. If you think you are experiencing cataract symptoms, our team will determine the best treatment option for you. You’re in great hands at BVNJ: Dr. Calderone has been performing cataract surgery for decades.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Unprotected, prolonged sun exposure increases the risk of AMD progression by damaging the retina. Symptoms include blurred or dimmed central vision that gradually gets fuzzier and darker, straight lines that look distorted, difficulties adapting to or seeing in low-light environments, fading colors, and trouble seeing details. Treatment for AMD typically includes close monitoring through eye exams or injections. If you are concerned about developing AMD, call our office to schedule an eye exam.

Abnormal Growths: Abnormal eye growths from sun exposure are usually non-cancerous and typically manifest as either a yellow-white bump on the white of the eye or a triangular, raised growth that spreads to the cornea. These growths do not always present symptoms, but can cause redness and swelling, blurred or distorted vision, a dry, itchy, or burning sensation that persists, and a feeling like something is stuck in the eye. Treatment for growths can range from drops to surgery.

Eyelid Cancers: Exposure to UV sunrays can lead to several types of eye cancers. Individuals with light eyes and fair skin are more susceptible to eyelid cancer. Treatment usually includes tumor removal and reconstructive surgery to protect vision and eyelid function.

If you are experiencing any changes in your vision or abnormalities with your eye health, contact our office to schedule an exam.

How to Keep Your Eyes Safe from Sun Exposure

Here are a few simple and straightforward ways to be proactive about protecting your eyes in the summer sun. These tips are especially important for children, as 80% of lifetime UV exposure occurs in the first 18 years of life.

Wearing sunglasses and hats can help physically block and filter out UV sunrays and glare, which can contribute to delicate eye tissue protection. UV rays can pass through clouds, which makes eye protection on overcast summer days important. Wearing both sunglasses and a hat with a brim can reduce the UV radiation that reaches your eyes by approximately 98%. If you are interested in exploring protective sunglasses, we have a variety of options available in our Optical Shoppe!

Reflective surfaces in the summer can include sand, water, and pavement, and can bounce UV rays up into your eyes. Try to limit your time outdoors during peak UV hours (between 10am and 4pm) and avoid looking directly at the sun when outside; doing so can burn the retina and cause vision loss quickly.

Staying aware of consistent sun exposure and knowing how to mitigate the impacts can help your eyes withstand late-summer activities. It’s important to take care of your eyes so that you can enjoy everything that makes the end of the season so meaningful. If you are concerned about your eyes’ sun exposure levels or just want to learn more about risks and preventative measures, call us at (908) 276-3030 to make an appointment.