By Michael Grossman, MD, Illinois Retina & Eye Associates
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| Michael Grossman, MD |
By now, most Americans are well aware of the risks sun exposure — particularly ultraviolet (UV) radiation—poses for developing sunburn and skin cancer. But just as excessive sunlight affects the skin, it can also affect one’s eyes. The eyes and skin both develop from a type of tissue called ectoderm and it’s not surprising that they are susceptible to damage from UV light in similar ways. Put more simply, our eyes can get sunburnt too. While our eyes can be at risk throughout the year, it is often in the summer when the sun is brightest for longer periods of the day that our eyes are at greatest risk. We don’t have to be staring directly at the sun either. Light gets reflected off water, sand, and pavement and can cause significant problems as well.
One of the more painful eye conditions caused by excessive sun exposure is a reaction called “photokeratitis” (also called “snow blindness” or ultraviolet keratitis) that involves the cornea — the front clear surface of the eye. This is much akin to an acute sunburn on the skin. People with lighter colored eyes are at greater risks for this condition (as well as other eye conditions); similar to how fair-skinned individuals are at higher risks of skin damage from sunlight.
Symptoms of photokeratitis include a foreign body or gritty feeling in the eye, redness, tearing, and an extreme sensitivity to light. The discomfort can often be relieved with cool compresses, artificial lubricants, and sometimes nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory eye drops. This can be extraordinarily painful but, if treated effectively, may only last for a few days.
More chronic sun exposure can also take its toll on the eyes. Studies show that UV radiation can hasten the development of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration as well as contribute to certain eye cancers such as iris and uveal melanomas. People with light colored eyes (blue, green, or hazel) are at higher risk. One common lesion or growth that may appear on the conjunctiva, the white part of the eye, is called pinguecula and begins as tiny yellow dots. These can be unsightly and may eventually grow over the surface of the cornea leading to astigmatism causing vision loss. These may appear in people of all ages who spend large amounts of time outside in the mid-day sun — skiers, farmers, fishermen, for example —are especially susceptible.
And that’s not all. Many medications can sensitize both our skin and eyes to sunlight, a fact that nearly half of Americans are not aware of, according to a study recently conducted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). These drugs include certain commonly prescribed antibiotics such as tetracyclines and floroquinolones as well some estrogen medications and birth control pills. Surprisingly, even many over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) can heighten our sensitivity to the sun.
So what to do? Here are the recommendations the AAO suggests to keep our eyes healthy while outside:
Choose glasses that block 100 percent of UV rays. Use only glasses that block both UV-A and UV-B rays and that are labeled either “UV400” or “100% UV protection.” Don’t go by darkness of the lenses, which doesn’t indicate strength of UV protection. Close-fitting wraparound styles offer the best coverage.- Wear sunglasses even if it’s cloudy. Damaging UV rays go through clouds and can burn skin and eyes even when the sky is overcast.
- Put a lid on it. Wear a hat with a wide brim as well as sunglasses and sunscreen. Studies have shown hats decrease the risk of eye disease related to extended UV exposure.
- Pills and rays don’t always mix. Certain medications may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight, so take extra precautions if using those treatments.
- Watch out for sun, sand, and water. When at the beach or in the pool, remember that rays reflected off sand, water, or pavement and can burn your eyes.
- Don’t rely on contact lenses. Contact lenses may have UV protection but cannot protect the entire eye area from burning rays that can increase risk of disease and blindness. Remember your sunglasses, which provide more coverage.
Be safe this summer and let us all do what we can to protect one of the most precious gifts we have — our eyes!
Dr. Grossman is a comprehensive ophthalmologist at Illinois Retina & Eye Associates in Peoria and helps individuals achieve better vision through routine eye exams, cataract and droopy eyelid surgery, and more. Attend Dr. Grossman’s upcoming presentation “Is Cataract Surgery Right for Me?” on August 27 or September 4. Video of a LIVE cataract surgery will be shown. For more information, please call 309-589-1880 or visit www.illinoisretinainstitute.com.
Photo credit: Jose Luis Pelaez Inc./Thinkstock