Protecting your eyes from UV Light & Damage

By understanding what UV (ultraviolet) light is, how it interacts with our eyes, and its potentially harmful effects, we can better equip ourselves to protect our eyes.

In this article, we'll delve deeper into the impact of UV light on our eyes, discuss some of the most common UV-related eye conditions, and provide actionable steps to safeguard your eyes against UV damage. Whether basking in the summer sun or enjoying a snow-covered landscape, this guide will help protect your precious eyesight from harmful UV radiation.

The UV spectrum covers the wavelength range of 100-400 nm and is divided into three bands: UVA (315-400 nm), UVB (280-315 nm), and UVC (100-280 nm).

About 95% of the UV rays that reach the ground are UVA rays. UVA rays can penetrate the eye and may harm the macula - the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. Over time, excessive exposure to UVA rays can contribute to developing certain types of Cataracts and potentially macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss for individuals over 60. It is also associated with skin ageing.

UVB light has higher energy levels than UVA rays, & typically damages the outermost layers of your skin, causing sunburn. The ozone layer partially absorbs UVB rays but are more intense than UVA rays. They're primarily responsible for sunburn and can cause direct damage to the DNA in our skin cells. In eye health, these rays are absorbed by the cornea and the lens. They can cause photokeratitis, often called 'snow blindness', and pterygium, also known as 'surfer's eye'.

UVC rays from the sun are generally absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere and do not reach the ground. However, artificial sources like welding torches and UV sanitising bulbs can produce this harmful radiation.

Chronic exposure to UV light can have far-reaching implications for our eye health. One of the most significant long-term effects is the development of cataracts. The eye's lens becomes cloudy in this condition, leading to impaired vision. According to the World Health Organization, up to 20% of cataracts may be caused by overexposure to UV radiation and are avoidable.

UV exposure is also associated with macular degeneration, a leading cause of severe vision loss in people over 60. The macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision, can be damaged by constant exposure to UV rays.

Another condition, pterygium, often referred to as 'surfer's eye', is a yellowish growth on the white of the eye that can eventually obstruct vision. Pterygium has been linked to prolonged UV exposure, especially in sunny climates. Similarly, photokeratitis, a painful but usually temporary condition akin to sunburn of the eye, can be caused by high short-term exposure to UVB rays.

Prolonged exposure to UV light has been directly linked to the development of several eye diseases, including cataracts and macular degeneration. Cataracts, characterised by a clouding of the eye's natural lens, are a common result of excessive UV exposure. The World Health Organization estimates that up to 20% of cataract cases globally are attributable to UV radiation and are potentially preventable with appropriate eye protection.

UV radiation also plays a role in developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss among older adults. AMD affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision. Excessive UV radiation can damage the macula over time, accelerating the progression of AMD.

Menopause, a natural biological process characterised by the end of menstrual cycles, is often associated with various changes in the body, including increased sensitivity to UV light. This heightened sensitivity is primarily due to hormonal changes, particularly the decline in oestrogen levels, which can influence the body's response to UV radiation.

In terms of eye health, these hormonal changes can make the eyes more susceptible to dryness, inflammation, and other UV-induced damage. It's also worth noting that post-menopausal women are more likely to develop Cataracts and Age-related Macular Degeneration, two eye conditions closely linked with UV exposure.

As women navigate the menopausal transition, it becomes increasingly important to safeguard their eyes from UV radiation. This may involve wearing UV-protective eyewear, taking eye health supplements, and using moisturising eye drops or sprays designed to alleviate dryness and discomfort associated with UV exposure.

There aren't any eye drops that can directly shield your eyes from UV radiation – sunglasses and protective eyewear remain the most effective way to block harmful UV rays.

However, certain eye drops and sprays can help alleviate symptoms caused or worsened by UV exposure, such as dry or irritated eyes. Our vegan, cruelty-free, and preservative-free eye drops are designed to relieve these discomforts. Our Eye Vitamins contain Lutein and Zeaxanthin that can help protect your eyes against UV damage.

The best sunglasses for UV protection are those labelled as blocking 100% UVA and UVB rays. The darkness or colour of the lenses does not necessarily correlate with UV protection, so always check the label. Polarised lenses can reduce glare, especially on water or snow. Still, it's important to note that polarisation does not equate to UV protection.

Consider wraparound sunglasses or styles with large lenses to shield your eyes from all angles. The frame should fit well and feel comfortable. Mirrored sunglasses can offer additional protection for those who spend much time outdoors or in highly reflective environments.

Lastly, if you wear prescription glasses, ensure your lenses include UV protection, or wear fit-over or clip-on UV-protective sunglasses.

A balanced diet, rich in antioxidants, can play a vital role in maintaining eye health and potentially mitigating some of the harmful effects of UV light.

Antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin help neutralise harmful free radicals. These unstable molecules can cause damage to cells in the eye. These free radicals can be produced by UV radiation, among other things. Vitamin C and E are found in fruits and vegetables such as oranges, strawberries, almonds, and sunflower seeds. Lutein and Zeaxanthin are in leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, and eggs.

While a balanced diet is essential, getting nutrients from food alone can be challenging. Eye health supplements like MTHK's Eye Vitamins, based on the AREDS2 formulation, can help fill in the gaps and support your overall eye health.

Indoor UV light sources like fluorescent bulbs can contribute to UV exposure. While the amount of UV light from these sources is significantly less than that of the sun, repeated, prolonged exposure over time can contribute to cumulative eye damage.

Fluorescent bulbs emit a small amount of UVA and UVB rays. Long-term exposure to these rays can increase the risk of eye conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. Furthermore, UV radiation can cause 'photokeratitis' or 'welder's flash', a painful eye condition akin to cornea sunburn.

Consider using LED lights emitting less UV radiation to protect your eyes indoors than fluorescent bulbs. Additionally, wearing eyeglasses with UV-protective lenses, especially if you're working close to these light sources for extended periods, can provide an added layer of protection.