Eyesight and UV rays

While people are becoming increasingly aware of the harmful impact of sunlight's ultraviolet (UV) rays on skin, fewer are aware of the effect they can have on the eyes.

A recent survey by Transitions Optical found that only seven per cent of people are aware of the damage UV rays can cause and one in four have never had an eye test.

UV rays can harm eyes both in the long term and short term but steps can be taken to protect people's sight.

In the short term, over exposure to UV light without proper eye protection can lead to a sunburn-like condition called photokeratitis.

This is an inflammation of the outer layer of the cornea and typically occurs after six to 12 hours exposure - such as a day on the beach or skiing.

Symptoms, which can be painful and include red, swollen and watery eyes, should clear up within 48 hours.

Long-term effects can be far more serious and include damage to the retina and an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of sight loss in the UK.

UV rays can also raise the risk of cataracts and pterygium – a growth on the white of the eye which encroaches onto the cornea and can obscure or partially block vision.

Charities and health campaigners argue that public awareness of the impact of UV rays must be increased to protect people's eyesight in the future.

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