2024-07-16 07:01:11
Ultraviolet rays (UT) mixed in the strong sunlight in summer damage not only the skin but also the eyes in the same way. It is called ‘eye burn’. Even if you only do outdoor activities for a long time without protective gear such as sunglasses, you can experience symptoms similar to ‘photokeratitis’ in which the cornea is damaged by ultraviolet rays reflected on white snow while skiing or snowboarding in winter.
Common symptoms of an eye burn include blurred vision, eye twitching, foreign body sensation, small dots, pain, redness (inflammation and swelling) of the eye or conjunctiva, tearing, pain, swelling, sensitivity to light, and temporary loss of vision (in very rare cases).
Usually, symptoms disappear on their own after one or two days. Be careful not to rub or scratch your eyes because they are uncomfortable. If the pain lasts more than two days, or if there is temporary loss of vision or significant changes in vision, you should visit a hospital and receive a diagnosis from a specialist.
Repeated eye burns over a long period of time can lead to serious damage such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
Ways to relieve symptoms at home include avoiding bright light, applying cold compresses to the eye area, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, and keeping the eyes moist with artificial tears.
If you suffer an eye burn while wearing contact lenses, remove the lenses immediately and do not wear them until they have returned to normal condition.
Places to be especially careful are waterfronts (where UV rays reflect off the water and are more exposed) and high-altitude mountains. Experts say that even on cloudy days, wearing sunglasses is good for protecting your eyes because clouds do not completely block UV rays.
The best way to protect your eyes is to wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat when going out.
Experts advise choosing sunglasses that are rated ‘UV400’ (blocks 99% of UV-A and UV-B rays with a wavelength of 400 nanometers or less). The darkness of the lens has nothing to do with protection. Even light-tinted lenses with UV protection will provide the same level of protection. Choose a shape that covers the eyes widely to help block UV rays coming from the sides. Young children should also wear proper sunglasses with UV protection.
Contact lens wearers should also wear sunglasses. Many have UV protection, but contact lenses only protect the center of the eye, so the peripheral area must be covered with sunglasses.
Reporter Park Hae-sik, Donga.com [email protected]
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2024-07-16 07:01:11