UV rays in spring, eye protection is essential...Causes of cataract and macular degeneration
Apr 02, 2025
|
Wearing sunscreen to protect against UV rays has become a familiar habit to many people now, but sunglasses are rarely worn to protect their eyes. However, excessive exposure to strong ultraviolet rays can adversely affect eye health, so caution is needed. Ultraviolet rays can affect the lens, increasing the risk of cataracts and damaging the macula in the center of the retina. Therefore, it is important to protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses on days with strong sunlight.
◇ Influences UV rays, cataracts...Wearing sunglasses is important
Caucoma is a disease in which the lens becomes cloudy and the visual field becomes blurred, mainly due to aging, but UV exposure is also one of the major risk factors. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 20% of cataract patients worldwide have been reported to be associated with UV exposure. In particular, continuous exposure to ultraviolet rays can accelerate protein denaturation in the lens, increasing the risk of cataracts.
Choi Kwang-eon, an ophthalmologist at Korea University Guro Hospital, said "As the cataract progresses, the visual field becomes increasingly blurry, and the glare of strong light may worsen or the light may appear to spread. In addition, symptoms such as night vision loss and double vision may be accompanied, and if left untreated, vision may continue to deteriorate. Cataracts have different progression rates from individual to individual, but once they occur, they do not recover naturally, so if symptoms worsen, lens removal and artificial lens insertion surgery are required. "
Professor Choi also said that it is important to reduce UV exposure to prevent glaucoma. Wearing sunglasses during outdoor activities and using a wide-brimmed hat can effectively block UV rays. In addition, smoking is known to be a factor that increases the risk of cataracts, so it is advisable to quit smoking" he advised.
◇Main cause of macular degeneration, blindness...Doubt if things look curved
Macular degeneration is a disease that causes vision loss due to damage to the macula located in the center of the retina, and is one of the main causes of blindness in the population over 65 years of age. Since the macula is an important part of more than 90% of vision, when damage progresses, symptoms such as distortion of the object or blurred central vision may appear.
Macular degeneration is mainly associated with age increase, but not only genetic factors but also environmental factors such as smoking, obesity, and UV exposure affect it.
Professor Kwang-Eon Choi "In particular, ultraviolet rays can cause oxidative damage to retinal cells, which can promote macular degeneration progression. Therefore, it is necessary to wear protective equipment that can block ultraviolet rays if you are active for a long time under strong sunlight.
In addition, Professor Choi said "The initial symptoms of macular degeneration are insignificant and are often difficult to recognize. If an object appears to be curved when viewed with one eye covered or an abnormality in the central vision is detected, an ophthalmic examination should be performed immediately. It is important to slow the progression of macular degeneration and prevent permanent vision loss through regular ophthalmic examinations because early detection increases the effectiveness of treatment.'
◇ UV protection is essential for children's vision protection
UVA rays can affect the development of vision in children as well as adults. Children's lenses are transparent and absorb more ultraviolet rays than adults, so exposure to strong ultraviolet rays can increase the risk of retinal damage. Therefore, it is recommended that children wear hats or sunglasses on days with strong UV rays.
Professor Choi said, `When using sunglasses, you should choose products that have been proven to protect against UV rays, not just fashionable sunglasses. This is because wearing sunglasses without UV protection can expose you to more UV rays while your pupils are dilated," he said. When selecting sunglasses, it is important to select a product marked with 'UV blocking 99-100%' or 'UV400'.
※Life habits to protect eye health from UV rays
- Reduce outdoor activities during sunny hours (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
-When going out, wear sunglasses with UV protection.
-Use a wide-brimmed hat to block direct sunlight.
-Maintain eye health by practicing balanced eating habits and smoking cessation.
|
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
