Sun and eyes

Sun and eyes

Our eyes are the organ where UV rays penetrate the furthest. When we are out in strong sunlight, we should therefore protect our eyes from harmful UV rays. Always wear sunglasses with a UV filter, otherwise your eyes can suffer more damage than if you don't wear sunglasses.

Eyes and strong sun

When we are out in strong sunlight, the pupil in our eye automatically contracts, so that as few UV rays as possible enter our retina. However, the pupil is not able to keep all the UV rays out. If you are out in strong sunlight without sunglasses, you therefore risk getting UV damage to your eyes. Eye damage as a result of UV rays can be both acute and gradual.

Children's eyes

Children's eyes are not fully developed, and they are therefore more sensitive to UV rays than the eyes of adults. In an adult, approximately 10% of UV rays hit the retina, while in children up to 75% of UV rays can enter the retina. In addition, children often spend more time outside than adults and are therefore exposed to more UV rays.  

Therefore, protect your children's eyes with sunglasses , and always use sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection.

Acute eye damage from UV radiation

Snow blindness is the popular name for photoelectric keratoconjunctivitis. It is a condition where the cornea has been burned, damaged or ulcerated as a result of UV rays. A walk on a snow-covered high mountain on a sunny day without sunglasses can cause snow blindness.

Symptoms of snow blindness only appear a few hours after you have been out in the sun.

• Severe pain in the eyes.

• Feeling of sand in the eyes.

• Watery eyes .

• Strong photophobia, so you can't open your eyes.

Treatment

Snow blindness usually goes away after one to two days without causing any lasting damage. The cornea usually repairs itself. It is common to use an antibiotic ointment to relieve discomfort and prevent infection in the eyes. There may be a need for pain-relieving medicine .

Late damage to the eyes from UV rays

Exposing the eyes to UV radiation over time can increase the risk of developing cataracts and damage to the retina. The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 20% of all cataract cases in Norway can be caused by UV rays. Cataracts can be treated with surgery, but damage to the retina cannot be treated - and can affect our vision. It is therefore important to always wear sunglasses when you are out in strong sunlight.

Protect your eyes

The best thing you can do to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays is to wear sunglasses in strong sunlight. It is important that the sunglasses cover the eyes and do not let in much light on the sides. Be aware that wearing sunglasses that do not have UV protection can have the opposite purpose and contribute to more harmful UV rays entering the eye than if you don't wear sunglasses. Therefore, use sunglasses with full UV protection, which comply with the EU standard and are CE marked.

Sources: Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority, Norwegian health informatics, Norwegian Federation of the Blind and Norwegian electronic medical handbook.