30.05.2024

Protect your eyes in summer

Good sun protection is essential in summer. However, we often forget to take care of our eyes. In this post, we explain the damage that can be caused by insufficient UV protection, why children's eyes are especially sensitive and how best to protect our eyes from the sun, sand, chlorine and sea.

(by Med. pract. Victoire Hurand)

During summer we protect our skin. But we often forget about our eyes ...

We are all looking forward to warm summer days, but our eyes, like our skin, need to be protected from the sun. Ultraviolet rays (UV), an invisible component of solar radiation, are dangerous and can pose a potential risk to the eyes. In total, there are three categories of UV rays that affect us.

UVA rays are the most common and have a negative effect on the ageing process. In the eye, the cornea and crystalline lens can absorb a large proportion of these rays.
UVB rays are absorbed directly by the skin and cause sunburn; they are also absorbed by the lens.
UVC rays are largely blocked by the ozone layer, but still occur strongly at higher altitudes.

Danger for children's eyes

Children's eyes are particularly sensitive to the sun. One reason for this is that the lens of the eye only fulfils its role as a protective filter from the age of 12. Before that, children's eyes are very sensitive to UV rays, as the lens allows more than 75% of them to pass through. Secondly, children have not yet fully learnt the reflex to blink, which makes their eyes even more sensitive.

Eye diseases caused by the sun

“Snow ophthalmia” or keratoconjunctivitis photoelectrica

UV rays cause UV burns to the cornea and conjunctiva. This corresponds to an “ocular sunburn”. The symptoms occur a few hours after exposure and manifest themselves in reduced vision, severe pain that is aggravated by light, watery eyes, a sandy sensation and possibly swollen eyelids. If you suspect that you have the condition, it is essential that you consult an ophthalmologist in order to receive suitable treatment, such as eye patches or drops. The symptoms usually disappear again within 48 hours. However, repeated occurrences can cause lasting damage to the eyes.

Skin tumor in the eyelid

A skin tumor in the eyelid is an abnormal proliferation of benign or malignant cells in the area of the eyelids and the inner corner of the eye.

Pterygium

A pterygium is a proliferation of the conjunctiva. This lesion develops mainly in the corner of the nose.

Cataract

Cataracts cause the lens to become blurred. This disease can only be treated surgically and calorically. According to the WHO, 20% of cataracts are caused by the sun. Cataracts can occur early in intense sunlight, leading to reduced or blurred vision.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative disease of the macula lutea. As the name suggests, it is age-related, however, UV exposure is suspected to be one of the risk factors.

Solar retinopathy

Solar retinopathy is a damage to the photoreceptors in the retina and occurs when you look at the bright sun for a long time without eye protection. This burn is painless, but can be permanent and significantly impair vision.

At Swiss Visio, we offer consultations and surgeries in an excellent environment for all ocular pathologies except oncology. Our 21 centres provide fast and personalised care in a trustworthy environment and we do our utmost to offer appropriate medical care.

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How to protect your eyes from UV rays?

The warmer the days become, the greater the focus on proper protection from UV rays. Basically, we protect our eyes from the sun's rays by reducing the size of our pupils (reflex myosis) and closing our eyelids. With the following tips, you can protect yourself from harmful UV radiation and protect your eye health in the long term:

Sun glasses

Sunglasses are more than just a fashion accessory and not all of them protect equally well against UV rays. Make absolutely sure that your glasses can block and absorb the vast majority of UVA and UVB rays, as is the case with sunglasses in the UV 400 category, for example. The CE mark is also a quality feature that you can rely on. At higher altitudes, you should wear sunglasses or ski goggles with category 3 or 4 lenses.

Polarized glasses

In environments with a high risk of a glare, it is advisable to wear polarized lenses. These lenses suppress reflections and mirror effects on particularly reflective surfaces and thus enable clearer vision.

Wear a hat

Wear a wide-brimmed hat that provides shade and protects not only your face and neck, but also your eyes.

Avoid hours with high UV levels

Avoid the sun when UV radiation is highest, usually between 10am and 4pm. If you have to be outdoors during this time, seek out shady areas as often as possible.

Beware of bad sunglasses

Sunglasses of poor quality can be dangerous for your eyes and your vision.

Insufficient protection against UV rays.
Distorted, poor optical quality, which can lead to tired eyes, headaches and blurred vision.
Lack of impact protection, as they are often more fragile than high-quality models.
False sense of security and therefore prolonged exposure to the sun without adequate protection.

Outdoor activities with an increased risk of eye damage

Certain summer activities can pose an increased risk of eye damage. The most dangerous for your eyes is reflection (snow reflects 40-90% of UV rays, water 10-30% and sand 5-25%).

In addition, outdoor activities can expose the eyes to dust, insects and branches, which increases the risk of eye injuries. Therefore, wear protective goggles when doing DIY and gardening work to prevent foreign objects from entering the eyes.

The danger of chlorine and salt water

Chlorine in swimming pools and salt water can cause eye irritation and increase the risk of eye infections, especially for contact lens wearers. To avoid these risks, you should wear swimming goggles to protect your eyes.

If you experience burning, scratching or other discomfort in your eyes after swimming, rinse your eyes immediately with saline solution and consult an ophthalmologist if the symptoms persist.

Our ophthalmology specialist

Med. pract. Victoire Hurand

Victoire Hurand, MD is a specialist in ophthalmology and works as a head of clinic at Swiss Visio. She completed a successful career in ophthalmology and ophthalmic surgery at the University Hospitals of Dijon and Beaune (France) before deciding to specialise more deeply within the Swiss Visio network. Always striving to perfect her skills, she specialised in refractive surgery at the Fondation Rothschild, obtained several inter-university diplomas (cornea, contactology, medical retina, refractive surgery and ocular inflammation) as well as a research master's degree and is part of the European Board of Ophthalmology (EBOD).

Victoire Hurand welcomes her patients, including emergencies, in the ophthalmological consultation at Montchoisi, Chavannes, and Palézieux village.