Exposure to UV Rays During Winter Can Damage Your Eyes
It's important to protect your eyes from the sun's powerful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Exposure to UV rays during winter can temporarily harm the eyes as well as increase the risk of developing sunlight-related eye disorders, including cataracts a leading cause of reduced vision in the United States.
Ultraviolet radiation reaches the eye not only from the sky above but also by reflection from ground surfaces.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), while UV radiation is generally lower during winter months, snow reflection may double an individual's overall exposure. The WHO advises that fresh snow may reflect as much as 80 percent of UV rays, compared to other surfaces such as, grass, soil and water, which reflect less than 10 percent of UV radiation; dry beach sand (about 15 percent), and sea foam (about 25 percent).
"The greatest measure of UV protection can be achieved with a combination of UV-absorbing sunglasses, UV-blocking contact lenses and a wide brimmed hat," advises Brian Linde, OD, a Montana-based optometrist and past president of the Montana Optometric Association.
For winter sports participants, Dr. Linde also recommends ski goggles because they can help prevent debris and snow from blowing into the eyes. He also cautions people who spend a lot of time in snowy conditions to be aware of 'snow blindness', or photokeratitis, a condition caused by excessive exposure of unprotected eyes to ultraviolet light reflected by the snow. This condition, which can damage the cornea, causes eye pain, extreme sensitivity to light and the sensation of having sand in your eye. Symptoms may not appear until 6-12 hours after exposure. Though the cornea will usually heal with time and treatment, Eye Care Professionals advise taking proper precautions.
Filed under Cataract Surgery, Eye Treatment
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