SAN FRANCISCO - As you rub sunscreen [1] on to protect your skin this summer, don't forget to protect your eyes as well. Summertime means more time spent outdoors, and studies show that exposure to bright sunlight may increase the risk of developing cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and growths on the eye, including cancer.
June is UV (ultraviolet light) Safety Awareness Month, and through its EyeSmartTM campaign the American Academy of Ophthalmology reminds Americans of the importance of protecting their eyes from the sun's harmful rays by wearing proper protection. It also wants to remind the public of the importance of protecting eyes from indoor UV light when using tanning beds.
"UV radiation, whether from natural sunlight or indoor artificial rays, can damage the eye's surface tissues as well as the cornea and lens," said Michael Kutryb, MD, ophthalmologist in Edgewater, Florida and clinical correspondent for the Academy. "Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the dangers UV light can pose. By wearing UV blocking sunglasses, you can enjoy the summer safely while lowering your risk for potentially blinding eye diseases and tumors." It is important to start wearing proper eye protection at an early age to protect the eyes from years of ultraviolet exposure.
"Your eyes are at risk from the sun year-round," says Dr. Kutryb. However, the longer the exposure to bright light as happens frequently during the summer, the greater the risk is. Excessive exposure to UV light reflected off sand, water or pavement can damage the eyes' front surface. In addition to cataracts and AMD, sun exposure can lead to lesions and tumors that may be cosmetically unappealing and require surgical removal. Pinguecula, tiny yellow bumps on the eye, are common from too much UV exposure. They begin on the white part of the eye and may eventually disrupt your vision.
Damage to the eyes from UV light is not limited to the outdoors; it is also a concern with indoor tanning beds. "Tanning beds can produce UV levels up to 100 times what you would get from the sun, which can cause very serious damage to the external and internal structures of the eye and eyelids," according to Dr. Kutryb. "Corneal burns, cataracts, and, in rare instances, retinal damage can occur." It is critical that you wear the properly designed goggles for use in tanning booths to protect the eyes.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology offers these tips to protect your eyes from the sun:
Find Eye M.D.s in your area or ask an Eye M.D. a question by visiting www.GetEyeSmart.org [2]. Consumers can submit questions about eye health to an ophthalmologist at http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/ask/ [3]
Source: American Academy of Opthamology
Links:
[1] https://www.momsteam.com/node/2669
[2] http://www.GetEyeSmart.org
[3] http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/ask/
[4] https://www.momsteam.com/health-safety/sun-safety-protecting-our-kids-against-skin-cancer
[5] https://www.momsteam.com/health-safety/consumer-reports-poll-27-parents-kids-under-12-apply-sunscreen-rarely-never