Ultraviolet (UV) light and the eyes

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a type of light that is generated by the sun. UV light can also be created artificially, like from sunbeds, welding machines, or lasers. You can’t see or feel UV light, but it can still cause damage to our skin and eyes.

There are three types of UV radiation: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC radiation from the sun doesn’t reach us because it is entirely absorbed by the earth’s ozone layer, whereas some UVB rays and all UVA radiation can penetrate the earth’s atmosphere.

How can UV radiation affect my eyes?

The damage that exposure to UV light can cause includes:

• Some types of cancer, including skin cancer around your eyes and on the eyelids.
• UV light has been linked to eye conditions like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
• Growths on the surface of your eye, such as pinguecula or pterygium, which is also known as ‘surfer’s eye’. Pinguecula is a yellow-coloured bump on your eye that can sometimes cause discomfort like irritation, teary eyes, or dry eyes. Pterygium is a growth on the surface of your eye that can sometimes spread to the cornea and affect your vision. Symptoms include irritation, dry eyes, teary eyes, and in some cases, blurry vision.
• Photokeratitis, which is the equivalent of sunburn on your cornea. Symptoms of photokeratitis include pain, redness, sensitivity to light, teary eyes, and headaches. Fortunately, these symptoms are temporary and should go away on their own.

How can I protect my eyes from the sun?

Here are some simple ways you can protect your eyes from UV light:

• Wear sunglasses with adequate UV protection. Your sunglasses should comply with the Australian Standard, and they should have the lens category of 2, 3, or 4 to provide a good level of protection from the sun.
• Add a wide-brimmed hat. By wearing both UV-protective sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat, you can reduce the exposure of UV to your eyes by up to 98 percent.
• If you’re a keen skier, wear a pair of goggles or wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes from a type of photokeratitis known as ‘snow blindness’.
• Speak to your optometrist about prescription sunglasses or contact lenses with UV protection
• Protect yourself from artificial UV, by avoiding sunbeds or wearing a welding helmet with a UV filtered lens when welding.

For more information

Read this article for advice on protecting your eyes outside, at work, and at home and for more information on eye protection.

Always speak to your GP and eye care professional about the best treatment options for you.