Solar radiation can directly damage the eyes and thus can have different short-term and long-term consequences. The most important ones are explained in the following article.
Cataract
Cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, which can have various causes, but is most often promoted by UV radiation. It is characterized by a slow and painless loss of visual acuity. Affected people see everything more and more blurred and are increasingly sensitive to bright light. As a treatment, the lens of the eye can be surgically replaced with an artificial lens.
Snow blindness
Snow blindness (also called photokeratitis) is a short-term and painful consequence of ocular overexposure to UV light. The cornea of the eye can normally absorb some of the UV radiation. But overexposure burns the cornea and conjunctiva. This then leads to extreme pain, tearing, red eyes and a foreign body sensation in the eyes. Usually, the symptoms disappear after 34 - 48 hours. However, medical treatment is essential.
Degenerations
Degenerations of the eye can be rather less severe or lead to visual impairment or blindness. If it affects the conjunctiva (pinguecula), it is usually a harmless yellowish growth in the eye. Macular degeneration, on the other hand, which affects the retina, leads to visual impairment and blindness in many cases.
Eye protection
- Wear sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection.
- Never look directly at the sun.
- Wear headgear that shields your eyes when you are in direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
- Don't underestimate radiation when on snowy ground or near water.
- Sweat machines emit a large amount of UVC radiation, which is very harmful. So never weld without a welding mask.
Further reading:
- Wikipedia on cataract: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataract)
- Wikipedia on photokeratitis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photokeratitis
- The sun, UV light and your eyes: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/sun
Sources:
- Top 5 eye problems resulting from UV exposure: https://www.caringvillage.com/2017/07/19/top-5-eye-problems-resulting-from-uv-exposure/
