Summers Can Give You Cataract Too
After winter, people often feel happy enjoying the warm sun, but it’s important to remember that too much sunlight can be harmful. You must take precautions if you love being in the sun during summer. The sun emits more UV radiation during this season, which can pose health risks, including cataracts.
Cataracts are an eye condition that can develop if you don’t protect your eyes from excessive sun exposure. Around 20% of cataracts globally are linked to overexposure to UV radiation, according to the World Health Organization. So, taking adequate measures to safeguard your eyes when enjoying the sunshine is crucial to prevent potential health issues.
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a problem with the eye that makes the lens, which is responsible for letting light into the eye, cloudy. This cloudiness causes your vision to become blurry and less clear.
Cataracts are more common in older people, around 40 and above, but younger individuals can also get them.
As people get older, the lens in the eye becomes less flexible and can break down, leading to cataracts. However, exposure to too much sunlight, especially UV radiation, can also cause cataracts.
Everyone must know this and protect their eyes from the strong sunlight. If you notice your vision getting blurry, seeing an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) early on is a good idea for the best treatment options.
Why you should keep your eyes out of the sunlight?
It’s important to keep your eyes away from the sunlight because, while sunlight is good for us, it also has UVA and UVB rays. If your skin or eyes are overexposed to these rays, it can harm them. Regarding your eyes, sunlight can damage the essential cells for good vision. In some rare cases, it can even lead to serious eye problems like cataracts and glaucoma. Even though sunlight can affect different body parts, your eyes are more vulnerable, so it’s crucial to protect them.
Sunlight can also cause issues like pigmentation and dark circles around the eyes, affecting your appearance. To prevent cataracts, it’s important to protect your eyes. If you notice dark circles or any eye-related problems, it’s a good idea to see an eye doctor from a reputable eye hospital for proper guidance.
Cataracts can be hard to spot in the early stages, but as you get older, they can start impacting your daily life. You may experience difficulties in reading and driving and increased sensitivity to light due to blurry or cloudy vision. To address these issues, seeking help from the best eye hospital for advanced eye care is recommended.
Tips to Safeguard Your Vision During the Hot Summer
- Wear sunglasses or goggles: Choose eyewear that blocks UV rays to protect your eyes from the sun.
- Use a hat or cap: Adding a hat or cap can give extra shade and keep your eyes safe outdoors.
- Stay hydrated: Drink enough water to keep your body, including your eyes, well-hydrated.
- Seek shade from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm: Avoid direct sunlight during the peak hours of strong UV radiation.
- Take breaks from screens: Reduce prolonged screen time to give your eyes a break and prevent strain.
- Eat a healthy diet: Include foods rich in vitamins and nutrients that promote eye health, like carrots and leafy greens.
- Keep eyes clean: Wash your hands before touching your eyes, and avoid rubbing them to prevent irritation.
- Regular eye check-ups: Schedule appointments with a trusted eye doctor to monitor your eye health and catch any issues early.
- Use artificial tears: If your eyes feel dry, use artificial tears to keep them moist and comfortable.
Conclusion
It’s important to see eye doctors who know what they’re doing to care for your eyes. If you think you have cataracts or any eye problems, make an appointment with the eye doctors at Dhir Hospital. We have been helping people with eye care for 33 years, and you can trust us to figure out what’s going on with your eyes and give you the best treatment for cataracts.
