The DAILY SUN; How dangerous is it to our eyes?

What is sunlight

Like the normal light, sunlight has both particles and wave-like properties and can be measured in nanometer [nm]. Our eyes can only see a portion of the whole electromagnetic spectrum of light emitted by the sun. These portions of light from sunlight that our that our eyes can see are called Visual Spectrum and it falls between 400 – 700 nm. Other lights like Ultraviolet [UV] and Infra-red [IR] are imperceptible to the human eye. The eye cannot perceive them just because they fall below the visual spectrum. i.e. the wavelengths fall between 280 – 400 nm.

Dangers pose by sunlight to our eyes [light toxicity]

Development of cataracts

Sunlight is definitely associated with the formation of cataracts. The invisible UV component of sunlight promotes free-radical damage in the lens. The brighter the sun, the greater the UV radiation dose. The effect of radiation on our eyes, are cumulative throughout life. They add up as we go along. That is why skin cancers can develop four or five decades after major sun exposure. Cataracts are similar symptoms of overexposure to the sunshine. Therefore,we highly recommend that everyone who is exposed to reflected UV light from snow, on beaches or tanning salon to cover their eye area with UV blocking sunglasses to prevent exposure to UV radiation. Nature did not intend for humans to be exposed to so much UV light.

Sources of Radiations (of light)

1.  The Sun (Natural source: The sun emits the highest proportion)
2.  Electric Arcs (used by welder). This is artificial source.
3.  Sunlamp (Artificial source).
4.  Furnaces (used in steel-making and glass blowing. This is an artificial source)

Ocular [eye] Effect of Ultraviolet Rays.

Ocular damage occurs due to absorption of radiation by the structures of the eye (i.e. Cornea, Conjunctiva, Iris lens and retina). The eye damage associated with UVB and UVA exposure include:
· Pterygium – An abnormal tissue growth on the eye
· Pinguecula – A yellowish discolouration of the eyeball
· Corneal damage – e.g in corneal burns
· Lens damage – e.g. as in cataract
· Retinal damage – e.g as in retina burns
· Ultimately, radiation damage can cause age related macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is one of the most common cause of blindness in Western world.

Sunlight and light generally allows us to appreciate our immediate world and provides the environment we need to work productivity however, can be dangerous when we are exposed to it too often without protective devise.

Supreme Vision Eye Clinic Cares.

Supreme Vision Eye Clinic,
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