The sun, while a vital source of light and energy, can also pose significant risks to eye health. Regardless of the season, it’s common for optometrists in Woodbridge to encounter patients during routine eye exams or those urgently seeking emergency eye care for sun-related eye damage. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays without proper protection can result in various eye conditions, ranging from mild irritation to severe, long-term vision problems. Awareness of these risks is the first step toward safeguarding your eye health and maintaining clear, comfortable vision throughout your life. If you’ve experienced the signs of sun damage or eye irritation, book an eye exam in Vaughan with Dr. Brian Abrams.
To learn more about the different types of sun damage, explore the signs of sun damage, and how to protect your eyes effectively, read on.
Corneal Sunburn/Photokeratitis
The cornea is the outer clear layer of the eye. When overexposed to UV rays, photokeratitis occurs, causing redness, pain, discomfort, and a gritty sensation. Your eyes may be watery, irritated, and red, and you may find yourself blinking more often to manage the irritation. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it is a good idea to book an eye exam with your optometrist in Vaughan.
Dry Eyes
Prolonged sun exposure can lead to dry eyes, causing discomfort, itching, and a sensation of something stuck in your eye. Dry eye treatment will typically include taking a break from the sun and artificial tears/eye drops. You can also explore wrap-around sunglasses to help make dry eyes worse by minimizing exposure to wind and sun. For prescription sunglasses, book an eye exam and explore our dry eye treatments with Dr. Brian Abrams.
Growth on the Eyes
These are growths on the conjunctiva caused by UV exposure. Pinguecula appears as a yellowish bump, while pterygium can grow onto the cornea and affect vision. If you notice these growths in your eye, it’s important that you quickly take action by booking an eye exam with your optometrist in Woodbridge. Dr. Brian Abrams.
Cataracts
Long-term exposure to UV rays can accelerate the formation of cataracts, clouding the natural lens of the eye and ultimately affecting the clarity of your vision. There are a number of factors that can facilitate cataracts, including genetics and other conditions such as diabetes, but limiting or controlling your exposure to the sun can protect your eyes and slow the progression of cataracts.
Macular Degeneration
UV light exposure can damage the retina over time, leading to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that affects central vision. AMD makes it challenging to perform everyday activities like reading, driving, or recognizing faces. While the exact cause of AMD involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors, prolonged UV exposure accelerates retinal damage, increasing the risk.
Solar Retinopathy
One of the most severe forms of UV damage occurs during solar eclipses when people are tempted to look directly at the sun without proper protection. This can lead to solar retinopathy, a condition where UV rays burn the retina. Symptoms include blurred or spotty vision and, in extreme cases, permanent vision loss. During the 2024 solar eclipse, cases of solar retinopathy increased significantly.
Treat Sun Damage with Your Optometrist in Woodbridge
From dry eye treatments and preventative eye exams to cataract treatments and prescription sunglasses, Dr. Brian Abrams and our team of experts can help you navigate the challenges of sun-related eye damage. To protect your eyes and prevent damage from progressing, optometrists in Woodbridge recommend UV protective sunglasses, managing time in the sun, avoiding direct eye contact with the sun, and eye drops or other dry eye treatments. For more guidance and tips, book an eye exam with Dr. Brian Abrams. If you are experiencing extreme discomfort, growth, or pain, contact our team for emergency eye care.
