UV Rays & Eye Conditions | Ultraviolet Awareness & Healthy Vision Month

As the summer nears, we start thinking about warm-weather plans like trips to the beach, outside barbecues, and sunny days at the ballpark.

While most of us spend more time outside when it’s warm, all that sun exposure has a downside: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.

Most of us probably know by now that UVA and UVB rays from the sun can damage the skin and increase our risk of skin cancer, but too much sun exposure can also damage your eyes. You might think you’re safe living in an area that sees it’s fair share of overcast days, but even still, you still get exposed to ultraviolet rays when the clouds are out.
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Too much exposure to ultraviolet rays may increase your risk of the following conditions: 

• Pinguecula
• Photokeratitis
• Eyelid cancer
• Conjunctival cancer

 
Let’s look at each of these eye conditions and their treatment and how to decrease your risk of developing them in some detail below.
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Pinguecula

Pinguecula is a condition that causes growths on the white part of the eye. It tends to develop on the corner of the eye near the nose. The growth is made up of calcium, fat, or protein. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), the bumps are thought to develop due to a combination of dry eyes, wind, and ultraviolet light exposure.
 
The condition is also sometimes called surfers eye, due to the association with time spent in the sun. Along with a growth, additional symptoms may include burning, itchy eyes, and a gritty feeling in the eye.
 
Treatment for pinguecula may not be needed if symptoms are not bothersome. If the growth is irritating, eye drops may help reduce discomfort. In instances where the bump is interfering with vision or for cosmetic reasons, surgery may be an option to treat pinguecula.
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Photokeratitis

Similar to how our skin can get sunburned from too much sun exposure, our corneas can also get sunburned. Photokeratitis is temporary damage to the cornea and the conjunctiva due to exposure to UV rays, usually from the sun. Although it can occur due to staring directly at the sun, photokeratitis can also develop following excessive exposure to sunlight reflected by the water, sand, and, in the winter, snow.
 
Symptoms of a photokeratitis can include blurry vision, gritty feeling in the eyes, and light sensitivity. Some people also experience a temporary loss of vision. Symptoms often last about six to 24 hours.
 
Usually, the condition goes away without treatment. Until symptoms resolve, it might be helpful to place a cold compress over the eyes to ease discomfort. Avoid rubbing the eyes and stay out of the sun. Also, see your eye doctor as soon as possible to make sure the damage is only temporary.
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Eyelid Cancers

Exposure to UV rays from the sun increases the risk of all types of skin cancer, including eyelid cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the most common site for eyelid cancer is on the lower lid. Symptoms include a new growth that is often painless. In some instances, there may also be some loss of eyelashes.
 
Different types of skin cancers can affect the eyelids, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Most eyelid cancers are basal or squamous cell cancers.
 
Regardless of the type, eyelid cancer can cause complications. Treatment involves removal of the growth. Depending on the extent of the tumor, reconstructive surgery may be required to restore the appearance and function of the eyelid.
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Conjunctival Cancer

Conjunctival cancer involves cancer on the membrane that covers the eye. Although conjunctival cancer was considered rare, the incidence has been increasing in recent years. Symptoms of conjunctival cancer may not be present at first. Discoloration of the eye may be the first symptom noticed. Sometimes there is more than one tumor on the conjunctiva.
 
Conjunctival cancer can be diagnosed through an eye exam by an ophthalmologist during an eye exam. Surgery is needed to remove the tumor. Additional treatment may vary depending on the extent of cancer and whether it is melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma.
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Decreasing Your Risk of Eye Conditions Related to UV Exposure

Although it’s clear that too much exposure to UV light increases the risk of developing eye problems, staying inside all day long isn’t the answer. There are simple steps that you can take, starting today, to minimize your level of UV exposure and the risk of developing UV-related eye conditions.
 
For starters, wearing sunglasses is one of the best things you can do to protect your eyes. Make sure to buy sunglasses that provide 100 percent UVA and UVB protection and keep them with you so you have them anytime you’re heading outside. Even though it may not seem necessary, don’t ditch your shades on overcast days. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can penetrate the clouds.
 
Additionally, wear eye-safe sunscreen around your eyes to protect your skin, and be sure not to get sunscreen in your eyes. Wearing a large-brimmed, UV-blocking hat in combination with your sunglasses and sunscreen will provide the most protection for your eyes and face.
 
By educating yourself on the possible dangers of the sun and UV light and taking simple measures, you can protect your eyes and vision. If you have any questions about your eye health or you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our eye doctors, please call our office at 508-746-8600.
 
Thanks for reading our post on UV Rays & Eye Conditions. Please check back with us soon for UV Rays & Eye Safety, as we continue with Ultraviolet Awareness & Healthy Vision Month. Enjoy the sun safely!