Dr. Jacob Kozisek, with BayCare Clinic joined us on Wisconsin Tonight to talk about protecting our eyes from the sun and ultraviolet or UV rays.
We face the possibility of experiencing photokeratitis which happens when UV light burns the cornea and the whites of your eyes. It’s essentially a sunburn of the eye. It isn’t usually noticed until several hours after exposure. Symptoms include intense eye pain, increased tears, a gritty feeling in the eyes and blurry vision with sensitivity to light.
Protecting your eyes from UV rays can prevent or slow down other eye conditions, including:
* Cataracts
* Age-related macular degeneration
* Cancer and other growths
* Wrinkles around the eyes
There are a number of things we can do to protect our eyes from the sun and UV rays. Here are some suggestions from the American Academy of Ophthalmology:
* Wear sunglasses labeled 100% UV protection: Use only glasses that block both UV-A and UV-B rays and that are labeled either UV400 or 100% UV protection.
o Choose wraparound styles so that the sun’s rays can’t enter from the side.
o If you wear UV-blocking contact lenses, you’ll still need sunglasses.
* Wear a hat along with your sunglasses; broad-brimmed hats are best.
* Remember the kids: Keep children out of direct sunlight during the middle of the day. Make sure they wear sunglasses and hats whenever they are in the sun.
* Know that clouds don’t block UV light: The sun’s rays can pass through haze and clouds. Sun damage to the eyes can occur any time of year.
* Be extra careful in UV-intense conditions: Sunlight is strongest mid-day to early afternoon, at higher altitudes, and when reflected off of water.
You’ll know within a few hours of exposure. Symptoms include:
* Blurred vision
* Grittiness in eyes
* Pain and redness with increased tearing
* Seeing halos
* Sensitivity to light
* Temporary vision loss (in some cases)
* Twitchy eyelids
In rare cases, you may also experience temporary color changes in your vision.
Sunburned eyes usually heal on their own, provided you stop exposing them to intense UV rays. Treatment is usually focused on assisting the natural healing process. For relief, we recommend patients:
* Place a cold washcloth over closed eyes
* Use artificial tears
* Take pain relievers as recommended by an eye expert
* Use eyedrop antibiotics if prescribed
* Avoid rubbing eyes as they heal
For more information, call BayCare Clinic Eye Specialists at 877-462-9465 or visit baycare.net
