Most people are aware that the sun can cause skin cancer, but how many are aware that it can damage the eyes? UV radiation, both from natural sunlight and from indoor artificial UV rays, can damage both the cornea on the surface of the eye, as well as the internal parts of the eye, such as the lens and retina.
Possible consequences of UV exposure:
- Cataracts that can cause vision loss and blindness
- Corneal sunburn that can cause temporary vision loss
- Skin cancer around eyelids
- Abnormal growths (“Pterygium”) on the white of the eye
Diseases like cataracts and eye cancers can take many years to develop, but each time you are in the sun without protection your skin and eyes are subject to damage. Over time it accumulates, placing you at higher risk.