Some sun damage to the eyes

Life on earth cannot exist without the sun. Ultraviolet radiation in the sun has a good effect on human health, such as promoting the biosynthesis of vitamin D.

Too much sun exposure has negative effects on the skin, eyes and immune system (Photo: boattest)

However, excessive sun exposure has negative effects on the skin, eyes and immune system. The harmful effects of sunlight on health are caused by ultraviolet rays in the sun including 3 types of UV-A, UV-B and UV-C.

How does the sun affect the eyes?

Eyes may be affected immediately or in the long term after absorption of ultraviolet rays in the sun. Many parts of the eye are affected by ultraviolet rays such as eyelids, conjunctiva (white part of the eye), cornea (front part of the black), vitreous (ocular) and retina (parts of The inner eye acts like a film to receive the image we see.

In the eyelids, sunlight can cause some types of lashes, especially cancer like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma.

For the conjunctiva, cornea, ultraviolet intensity exposure can cause burns to the cornea with symptoms such as rash, irritability, redness, blurred vision, watery eyes, and this condition will often be get better after 48 hours. In the long term, ultraviolet rays can cause dreams or 'yellow particles' in the conjunctiva. Gradually, dreaming develops into the cornea and affects vision.'Yellow seeds' are small yellow patches in the conjunctiva and usually do not affect vision.

Cataract is caused by many different causes, often in the elderly, leading to blindness especially in countries with inability, the means for surgery to take opaque lenses and replace artificial lenses. There are 3 basic types of cataract: opaque, opaque and opaque. Many epidemiological studies have shown that prolonged exposure to sunlight gradually causes cataract shells.

When looking at the sun for a long time or directly, especially at midday, it can cause retinal burns (retinitis due to sunlight). This condition is also often seen after seeing an eclipse without eye protection. In addition, macular degeneration in the elderly - the most common cause of blindness in developed countries - is also thought to be related to long-term exposure to sunlight (the macula is located in The center of the retina and the place to help us get the colors and images of objects most clearly).

How to protect the eyes against the harmful effects of sunlight?

The most important measure to avoid sun damage to the eyes is to avoid direct sunlight exposure, especially from 11 am to 4 pm, which is the most intense period of ultraviolet rays in the sun. Therefore, for some occupations to work outdoors, it is advisable to arrange reasonable work so it is best to work before 11am and after 4pm.

When it is imperative to work in the sun, it is advisable to create shade such as tents, cover umbrellas . and work under the shade. In addition, when working or living directly in the sun, there are facilities to protect the sun such as wearing a wide-brimmed hat, glasses with the function of absorbing ultraviolet rays, face masks .

MSc. Doctor HOANG ANH TUAN (PRIVATE EYE Hospital)