Expert Advice from Your Eye Care Professional

As spring approaches, many of us look forward to spending more time outdoors. While it’s common to remember sunscreen for skin protection, it’s equally important to protect your eyes. Starting early with proper eye protection can prevent years of damage from UV exposure.

UV light, whether from sunlight or artificial sources, can harm the eye’s surface tissues, cornea, and lens. The following are some ocular conditions that UV exposure has been shown to be a risk factor:

Cataracts

Cataracts occur when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy due to the breakdown of proteins within the lens. This condition can cause blurry vision, increased sensitivity to light, difficulty seeing at night, and faded colours.

Aging is the most common cause of cataracts, but other factors such as prolonged sun exposure can also contribute to its development.²

Cataract surgery is a common and effective treatment, involving the removal of the cloudy lens and its replacement with a clear artificial lens.

For More Information on Cataracts

Malignancies In and Around the Eye

Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia (OSSN) is the most common malignancy affecting the surface of the eye, specifically the cornea and conjunctiva. OSSN encompasses a spectrum of conditions ranging from midl abnormal cell growth to invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).³

UV exposure is a significant risk factor in addition to skin type, age, and being immunosuppressed.⁴

Treatment methods include surgical excision, topical chemotherapy medications such as mitomycin C (MMC), or a combination of both. The prognosis of OSSN is generally good, especially when detected early.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer, frequently affecting the eyelids and surrounding areas. BCC typically presents as a nodular lesion with pearly edges, central ulceration and visible blood vessels. It often occurs on the lower eyelid^.5

Prolonged UV light exposure is a significant risk factor. Skin type, age and genetic predisposition can make an individual more susceptible.

Surgical excision is the standard treatment with generally good prognosis, especially when detected early.

Growths on the Eye

Pinguecula is a common growth that appears on the conjunctiva. It is characterized by a yellowish raised bump, typically on the side of the eye near the nose.

Risk factors are similar to that of a pterygium development, including UV light exposure.⁵ In many cases, pinguecula does not require treatment, however if there is irritation or localized inflammation lubricating eye drops or steroid eye drops may be prescribed.

Pterygium is a common eye condition characterized by a wing-shaped, fibrovascular growth that extends from the conjunctiva onto the cornea. This growth is often referred to as “surfer’s eye” due to its prevalence among individuals who spend long hours in the sun.⁵

Prolonged UV light exposure is a significant risk factor. Geographical location of regions closer to the equator, exposure to dust, sand and wind can also contribute to its development.

In cases where the pterygium affects vision or causes significant discomfort, surgical removal may be recommended.

For More Information on Pterygium Excision

Snow Blindness

Snow blindness is a form of photokeratitis caused by exposure to UV rays reflected off ice and snow.³ This painful condition occurs when UV rays damage the cornea and the conjunctiva leading to symptoms of redness, pain, blurry vision, sensitivity to light and excessive tearing. The symptoms are similar to that of a sunburn on the skin.

If you experience symptoms of snow blindness, treatment focusses on relieving discomfort as the eyes heal, including cold compresses, cool artificial tears and taking pain relievers.

Year-Round Eye Protection Tips

When buying sunglasses, always check the UV rating. Choose sunglasses that offer 100% UV or UV400 protection, blocking both UV-A and UV-B rays. Here are more tips to protect your eyes from UV damage throughout the year:

Wear a Hat: Broad-brimmed hats provide extra protection.
Everyone is susceptible: All ages, including children and seniors, should wear hats and sunglasses.
Know your Environment: UV light can penetrate haze and clouds but UV rays are also strongest from midday to early afternoon. Water, ice or snow can all reflect UV light.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Never look directly at the sun as it can can severe retinal damage known as solar retinopathy. This condition results from photochemical injury to the retinal cells, particularly affecting the fovea, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision. There is no treatment for solar retinopathy.
Steer clear of Tanning Beds: Tanning beds pose similar risks to your eyes and body as outdoor UV exposure.

Sunlight does have Health Benefits

Sunlight offers several health benefits. Natural light helps regulate our sleep-wake cycles, which is crucial as we age and may experience insomnia. Additionally, spending time outdoors can help prevent nearsightedness in children. Encourage outdoor activities while ensuring they wear hats and sunglasses to protect their eyes.

By following these guidelines, you and your family can safely enjoy the sun all year round.

References:

Turbert, David. (2024, May). The Sun, UV Light and Your Eyes. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Retrieved April 2025, from https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/sun
https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/news-and-events/news/new-research-sheds-light-how-uv-rays-may-contribute-cataract
Yam JC, Kwok AK. Ultraviolet light and ocular diseases. Int Ophthalmol. 2014 Apr;34(2):383-400. doi: 10.1007/s10792-013-9791-x. Epub 2013 May 31. PMID: 23722672.
Ju X, Rokohl AC, Li X, Guo Y, Yao K, Fan W, Heindl LM. A UV-related risk analysis in ophthalmic malignancies: Increased UV exposure may cause ocular malignancies. Adv Ophthalmol Pract Res. 2024 Apr 5;4(2):98-105. doi: 10.1016/j.aopr.2024.04.001. PMID: 38707995; PMCID: PMC11066588.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/pinguecula-and-pterygium#:~:text=Pinguecula%20and%20pterygium%20are%20both,by%20chronic%20dryness%20or%20irritation.