Summer Sun Eye Protection Tips to prevent eye sunburn or corneal sunburn AKA photokeratitis from Fraser Eye Care. Sunburned eyes is a temporary condition resulting from natural or artificial UV ray exposure. Dr. Czajkowski from Fraser Eye Care Center sheds some light on how to protect your eyes from harmful UV-A and UV-B rays.
OAKLAND COUNTY MOMS HEALTH / FAMILY HEALTH ARTICLES
While everyone is familiar with the importance of protecting skin against sunburn, most people are unaware about summer sun eye protection – that the human eye is susceptible to sunburn as well – especially individuals with lighter colored eyes.
Summer Sun Eye Protection Tips – “By taking simple precautions like wearing sunglasses and brimmed hats, you can protect your eyes from corneal sunburn or photokeratitis,” said Dr. Norbert P. Czajkowski, ophthalmologist and owner of Fraser Eye Care Center. “Corneal sunburn often directly correlates with more serious eye diseases – including cataracts, macular degeneration and skin cancer around the eye so taking these precautions should be of utmost importance.”
Although a temporary condition, photokeratitis can last as long as four days. This condition results from natural or artificial UV ray exposure during all times of the year. Symptoms often include bloodshot, painful eyes that feel gritty.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, individuals of all ages and degrees of skin pigmentation are susceptible to UV damage; however, adults with retinal dystrophy and children are particularly susceptible to the blinding effects of UV radiation.
The solution is sunglasses, but it is important to know that color and the degree of darkness do not reveal anything about the quality of UV protection a lens offers. Dr. Czajkowski recommends looking for sunglasses with 99-percent and higher UV absorbency or UV absorption up to 400nm.
“Protecting your vision means wearing adequate eye protection on sunny and even not-so-sunny days. It may seem trivial, but it can mean the difference between a future of healthy vision, and a future of blindness,” said Czajkowski.
For more information about UV radiation and summer sun eye protection tips, visit the Fraser Eye Care website or call 586-296-7250 to schedule an eye exam.
