Eye Library

Longterm changes associated with UV radiation

Our Sun sends out powerful radiation, most of which bounces off our planet's atmosphere and is redirected into space. Some radiation however will penetrate our atmosphere and reach the Earth's surface. Some radiation is very helpful to us; the visible spectrum radiation allows vision for humans. Some radiation is harmful, namely ultra-violet or UV.

For our purposes, UV radiation induces changes to the skin around the eye, the front surface of the eye, the lens and finally the rear of the eye or retina.

• UV exposure to the skin around the eye can lead to cancerous changes.
• UV exposure to the front surface of the eye can lead to pinguecula and pterygium formation.
• UV exposure to the lens can result in cataract formation.
• UV exposure to the retina can lead to macular degeneration and metabolic waste accumulation.

For these reasons, everyone should wear protective eyewear either with a UV 400 coating on spectacle lenses or UV protective sunglasses.

Are there times when UV is not a concern? Yes, nighttime and rain. These are the only two occasions where UV radiation does not reach us.

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