Can the Sun Affect Your Retinal Health

The sunshine can be a huge benefit for everyone. It warms us, nourishes us with vitamin D, and draws us outside for fun activities. That said, the sun’s generous rays can be quite harmful if left unchecked – especially for your eyes.

How do our eyes take in sunlight?

To understand if and to what extent sunlight can have an impact on the retinas, it’s important to know how the two make contact in the first place. Light passes from the cornea and through the pupil, with the iris mitigating how much is let through. From there, the lens focuses light to the retina which converts it to electrical signals that create images for the brain.

What effects do UV rays have on the retina?

Although light is necessary for creating visual images for our brain to interpret, too much light from the sun can be harmful. Ultraviolet light (UV rays) falls between visible light and x-rays in electromagnetic radiation. This radiation, accumulated over long durations of time without proper moderation or filtering, can lead to eye conditions such as cataracts, corneal sunburn, and pterygium growth.

For your retinas, UVA light can reach this part of the eye and break chemical bonds through ionization. This can increase your risk for developing macular degeneration, a retinal disorder that affects the macula and reduce your ability to see straight ahead. Over time, blurry vision can become prominent.

How can you protect your eyes from UV rays?

The good news is that protecting your eyes from excessive sunlight can be easy. Staying in shady areas can limit your exposure – though sun glare from reflective objects can still be an issue. Sunglasses are also your best bet for tackling UV rays, but there is a catch.

Dr. Alexander Barnes, a CEENTA retina specialist who practices out of our Concord, Salisbury, and University offices, provides his expertise on the matter. “Like most things in life, moderation is key. UV exposure can lead to acute changes in vision from solar retinopathy from staring at the sun for long periods and more chronic changes such as macular degeneration. Appropriate precautions like wearing sunglasses with UV protection can significantly mitigate one’s risk of vison-threatening complications.”

Not all sunglasses are made the same, and while those stylish shades you see in the shop may look great, they may not be suitable for extended time in the sun. The best sunglasses to use have polarized lenses with full UVA and UVB protection.

Just like the right pair of shades can be good for your eyes, so can the right physician. CEENTA’s team of retina specialists are fellowship trained to diagnose and treat conditions like macular degeneration, retinal tears, and diabetic retinopathy that can lead to diminished vision. To schedule your next retina appointment with Dr. Barnes in Concord, Salisbury, or the University area, call 704-295-3000.

This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor. You can schedule an appointment with a CEENTA eye doctor online or through myCEENTAchart.