14 DAY TRIAL // Many people know that, during the summer time, using sunscreen is a great way of taking care of their skin. Sunlight also contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation in addition to visible light, and this component of the electromagnetic spectrum can cause mutations, and boost the number of skin cancer cases. But, while the skin is relatively well protected, not the same can be said about the eyes. Researchers at the University of Houston have recently determined that very few people use sunglasses to protect their retinas from the adverse effects of UV light. That is why they are currently running an awareness campaign, trying to get more people aware of the dangers they are exposing themselves to.
“During the summer, when more time is spent out in the sun, people start thinking about UV protection for their skin, but don’t take similar steps to safeguard their eyes. Lack of awareness surrounding the potential effects of overexposure to UV radiation is concerning, and many people are unaware of the eye health risks to both adults and children associated with spending too much time in the Sun without the proper protection,” explains UH College of Optometry professor Jan Bergmanson. He is also the founding director of the Texas Eye Research and Technology Center (TERTC).
The new investigation was conducted by the UH University Eye Institute and the American Optometric Association (AOA). Previous studies conducted on large population groups have revealed that only about a third of Americans factor in UV protection when deciding on which sunglasses to buy. Some 35 percent of respondents were unaware at the time of the investigation that UV radiation was harmful to the eyes in very much the same way it is to the skin. This is very worrying since UV measurements conducted at sites around the US show that the amount of radiation that reaches ground level exceeds safety limits in 90 percent of summer days.
“Exposure to UV radiation, which is cumulative over time and puts one at greater risk for developing eye and vision disorders, can be minimized. UV protection can be achieved by simple and inexpensive safety measures that can help prevent or limit damage to the eyes,” the expert adds. He says that prolonged UV exposure can trigger the development of serious illnesses, including among others cataracts, macular degeneration, eyelid skin cancer, benign growths on the surface of the eye, and cancer around the eyes.