How the Sun Actually Damages Your Eyes

credits: Eye-Sun Protection Factor

The sun is an important factor in our ecosystem.  Without it, we would not be able to function.  Plants depend on the sun to accomplish photosynthesis, and humans need the warmth of the sun to live comfortably. The sun’s rays are also a potent source of Vitamin D, an important substance so we can absorb calcium and phosphorus properly.

However, the sun’s rays are actually harmful if we get too much doses of them. You have sunburn, heat stroke, and other diseases and conditions that can adversely affect human health is we are overexposed to the sun.  The good thing, however, is that we are all equipped to be protected from too much sun.  Also, we can use things like umbrellas and shades from retailers of wholesale sunglasses, be they online or on brick and mortar stores.

The truth is, the sun can be damaging if we do not take the extra mile in taking care of our bodies, especially our eyes.  Based on our anatomy, the eyelid is designed to protect our eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. However, we should not be too reliant on the eyelids. That is because the skin in our eyelids is thin and the tissues in and surrounding it are fragile. On the side of the sun, its ultra-violet rays or UV rays are actually the damaging factor which can cause harmful to our eyes.  Constant exposure to the sun for long periods can actually damage the eye area.  The light, particularly the UV rays, that goes through the eyes can damage the area of the lens and the cornea. If our eyes are not protected, this can lead to several eye diseases, which can even lead to blindness.

Other eye diseases that people who are constantly exposed to the sun are cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma.  In the case of cataracts, this refers to the cloudiness in the eyes’ lenses, which leads to the formation of a cloudy layer in the eye, which in turn causes decreased vision and even blindness. Ultraviolet light has been shown to cause cataracts and there have been some studies that show that sunglasses, if worn at an early age, can actually slow the development of cataracts on the wearer later in life. On the other hand, macular degeneration is experienced by adults who lose their vision due to retina damage. Exposure to sunlight, especially blue light is said to cause this damage. Lastly, glaucoma is an eye diseased associated with fluid pressure on the eye. Although intense exposure to the sun may not be directly linked to glaucoma, exposing the eyes to too much sunlight can cause the pressure and can serve as a trigger to the disease.

This is the reason why we need to protect our eyes from the sun’s rays.  Wearing protective eye gear like shades from the wholesale sunglasses section of the store is one way.  It protects our eyes by limiting the UV rays that are absorbed.  It is simple but effective.