You take steps to prevent sunburn on your skin, but what about your eyes? Just like your skin, your eyes are vulnerable to the sun's rays. Harvard Medical School opthalmologists say that most sun damage occurs right on the surface of the eye.
Overexposure to the sun can cause keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea that can make your eyes feel as if you have sand in them for 24 to 48 hours. Repeated bouts of keratitis can lead to serious chronic inflammation that may require surgical treatment.
Doctors at the University of Alabama say the effect of UV radiation on the eyes is cumulative. Most people get about half their lifetime dose of radiation before they are 25 years old. Obviously, children should wear protective sunglasses.
Buy sunglasses with built in UV-blocking sun protection. Check the label to make sure. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat to shade your eyes is also recommended.
