The summer season is ideal for many outdoor activities and sunshine. However, prolonged ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure can cause significant risks to your health. For one, it can harm your eyes—but how? Read on to explore how UV exposure in the summertime can affect your eyes.

What Is UV Radiation?

The sun emits UV radiation along with ordinary light, infrared light, radio waves, X-rays, and gamma rays. It comprises three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC radiation is filtered out by the earth's atmosphere. UVA and UVB rays are not, reaching the earth's surface with the potential to damage your eyes.

Effects of UVA Radiation

With their longer wavelengths, UVA rays can penetrate deep into your skin layers and eyes. These rays are present throughout the year. They can penetrate glass and clouds. Prolonged exposure to this radiation can lead to the development of cataracts.

The condition causes the clouding of the eye lens. Cataracts can impair your vision and lead to light sensitivity, blurred vision, and difficulty seeing at night. UVA radiation can also cause the development of age-related macular degeneration. 

The macula in the center of your retina is responsible for your central vision. UVA radiation can damage your macula over time. It can lead to a slow loss of your central vision. It is the most common cause of vision loss for adults, especially those over 50.

UVA radiation contributes to the formation of noncancerous growth on the conjunctiva called pterygium. It often begins as a small bump that progresses to cover a portion of your cornea. It leads to discomfort, vision disturbances, and redness.

Effects of UVB Radiation 

UVB radiation causes sunburns and can significantly damage your eyes. UVB exposure can harm your cornea, the front clear surface of your eye. Excessive exposure can result in photokeratitis, a sunburn to the eyes. 

Its symptoms include eye redness, light sensitivity, and excessive tearing. You may also experience a gritty sensation in your eyes. Photokeratitis is temporary, but it can cause temporary discomfort and vision loss for some days.

UV Exposure and Children 

Children’s eyes are very vulnerable to the dangers of UV radiation. Their eyes are constantly developing, making them less capable of filtering UV rays out. They also spend more time playing outdoors without enough eye protection. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation increases the risk of developing long-term eye problems. These include AMD or cataracts later in their lives.

Keep your children safe from the effects of UV radiation. Ensure they wear UV-protection sunglasses. They should also wear wide-brimmed hats for protection from the sun outdoors. They should seek shade during peak sun hours. Educate them about the importance of eye protection from a young age. It will help instill eye safety habits that will help them as they grow.

Protection and Prevention 

Taking preventative measures is the ideal way to protect your eyes from the dangers of UV exposure. These include wearing sunglasses that block 100% UVA and UVB rays. Avoid the outdoors during the peak hours of the day when the sun is intense. It usually falls between 10 in the morning to four in the evening. 

When you are outdoors, seek shade. Wear a wide-brimmed hat for protection for an added shade. Adopting these strategies can ensure the well-being and safety of your eyes throughout summer and beyond.

For more on how summer UV exposure can harm your eyes, visit Today's Vision Bulverde at our office in San Antonio, Texas. Call (210) 307-4749 to book an appointment today.