How does hot sun damage your eyes?

According to Dr. Nguyen Duc Huy, High-Tech Eye Specialist, Tam Anh General Clinic, District 7, hot weather, prolonged heat accompanied by high amounts of UV radiation (ultraviolet rays, ultraviolet rays) can be harmful factors that cause eye damage. Doctors point out 3 common harmful effects when eyes are regularly exposed to sunlight without protection.

Dry eyes

Dry eyes occur when the tear film (mucus, water, lipid layer) reduces function, causing the quantity and quality of tears to be insufficient. Tears evaporate quickly, not providing enough lubrication to protect the ocular surface. The disease causes a feeling of scratchiness, burning, tearing, and in severe cases, it can affect vision.

This condition commonly occurs in hot, dry or windy, dusty weather. To reduce symptoms, patients should use artificial tears as prescribed to maintain moisture and reduce the evaporation rate of tears, while limiting exposure to hot sun and wind.

Dreamy eyes

Pterygium (pterygium) is a condition in which conjunctival tissue proliferates abnormally, forming a wing-shaped or triangular mass protruding from the white of the eye, then gradually spreading into the cornea. The main cause comes from long-term exposure to sunlight, UV rays stimulate the proliferation of conjunctival tissue. Dry eyes or environments with lots of dust, sand, and wind can make the disease progress more quickly.

A common sign of pterygium is a pink-red patch protruding above the eye; accompanied by a feeling of dryness, itching or swelling, burning… If this condition persists for a long time, it can obstruct vision or deform the cornea, causing blurred vision. Depending on the patient’s severity, the doctor may prescribe medication or surgical intervention to remove pterygium.

Retinal damage

The retina is a layer of tissue located on the inner side of the eyeball wall, opposite the lens and iris. When the eyes are damaged, it can cause impaired vision and even blindness.

UV rays and high temperatures are among the factors that damage the retina, which can lead to diseases such as retinal detachment, retinal degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, macular hole… Signs of the disease include reduced ability to distinguish colors, blurred images, flashes of light or dark spots. Treatment depends on the progression of the disease.

Dr. Huy recommends limiting exposure to strong sunlight, especially during the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., when the intensity of UV rays is high. When going out, you should cover up carefully and wear sunglasses to reduce the impact of sunlight, wind and dust; Drink enough water to maintain eye moisture. You should have regular eye exams every 6-12 months, and go to a hospital with an eye specialist as soon as any abnormal signs appear.