Orbis and the Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society recently conducted a survey on the risks of ultraviolet radiation and eye aging. The survey revealed that 16% of respondents are exposed to ultraviolet radiation for five hours or more every day due to work requirements. Furthermore, nearly 60% of respondents are at risk of eye aging. Of particular concern is that 86% of respondents reported experiencing symptoms of eye aging, such as light sensitivity, deterioration of night vision, and blurred vision under lighting conditions. The survey also indicated a significant lack of awareness among Hong Kongers regarding eye protection. Around 20% respondents never wear sunglasses, hats, or carry sun umbrellas during intense sunlight, and nearly 50% respondents do not consider the ultraviolet protection labels when choosing sunglasses.
Eye Diseases Caused by UV Light
Often called the "sunshine vitamin”, health-enhancing vitamin D comes from UV radiation. Sadly, in addition to causing serious health issues like skin cancer, excessive exposure to UV also endangers our sight which greatly increases our risk of developing macular degeneration and cataracts.
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Test now!The Survey Results Show That 60% of People Are at Risk of Eye Aging.
Uv-Related Eye Diseases and How to Spot Them
Cataracts
Aging causes the lenses in our eyes to lose transparency and reduces the amount of light detected by their retinas.
Macular degeneration
Resulting in a gradual loss of central vision, this condition occurs when our eyes’ maculas are damaged by aging, sunlight exposure, or unhealthy lifestyle habits.
Eyelid tumors
Early symptoms include a small, translucent nodule resembling a pinhead or soybean on affected eyelids which gradually enlarges over time.
Pterygium
Sufferers often experience photophobia, over production of tears, intense eye pain, burning sensations, eyelid spasms, reduced vision, and halos.
Photokeratitis
In addition to photophobia, patients may experience excess tear production, intense eye pain, burning sensations, eyelid spasms, reduced vision, and halos.
Take Extra Care if You Work Outdoors!
Anyone whose job involves constant exposure to sunlight and requires sustained concentration is frequently afflicted with eye fatigue. Workers who are unable to wear sunglasses while working MUST prioritize eye protection. In recent years, many photographers and models have begun using bright LED lights to illuminate their photo shoots. Although short-term use of such lights may be no more harmful than sunlight, it’s best not to use them for prolonged periods as their brightness can cause eye fatigue and dryness.
Drivers
Outdoor workers
Outdoor enthusiasts
Photographers, stage performers
Stop Uv in Its Tracks!
When working or playing outdoors, always pay extra-special attention to your eyes by following the below "Eye Care Essentials":
Wear a Sun Hat - Prevent too many UV rays from reaching your eyes by covering your head.
Wear Shades – Choose sunglasses with a UV protection coating.
Carry a Sun Umbrella - Block even more UV rays by carrying an umbrella with UV protection when going outdoors on bright days.
As up to 80% of UV rays will reach your eyes on even cloudy days, never let your guard down and always take protective eyewear with you each time you go out! Be equally careful in natural environments with lots of grass, soil, water (all reflect less than 10% of UV rays), snow (reflects up to 80% of UV rays), or sandy beaches (reflect 15% of UV rays).
Which Sunglasses Are Best for You?
Are darker lenses really better at protecting our eyes against UV rays? Should kids wear shades? According to a recent survey, some 50% of us fail to check the UV protection label on sunglasses before we buy them. Here are a few more useful facts:
1. What are UV protection labels?
When buying sunglasses to protect your eyes, always look for the “UV400” label that guarantees that your new shades’ lenses will block UV rays of up to 400 nanometers on sunny days.
2. Do darker lenses really offer better protection?
No. As even transparent lenses can provide UV protection, lens color bears no relation to sunglasses’ UV blocking capabilities. Ultimately, even darker lenses that offer zero UV protection will make it harder for light to enter your eyes and be absorbed by your sun-dilated pupils.
3. Should children wear shades?
As children's pupil tend to be more transparent than adults', they tend to allow more UV rays to pass through. All of which makes it even more important for you to choose sunglasses with good UV protective capabilities for your little ones.
Sources:
1. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ultraviolet-radiation
