UV Rays, Vision, & You

Many know about the risks associated with UV rays to the body, but the same also applies to the eyes. Unfortunately, the eyes, in particular the cornea, are at constant risk of damage due to exposure to this potentially harmful radiation. Kuwait Ophthalmologist Dr. Ghassan Zein often tells patients about the harmful effects of both short-term and long-term UV radiation from the sun and tanning beds.

Sunburn and Your Cornea

Everyone knows about a sunburn and most have felt the associated pain first hand. Unfortunately, extended exposure to UV rays can also have the same effects on the eye and cornea. This condition is called photokeratitis, more commonly known as corneal flash burn, and has a number of symptoms that include pain, eye redness, light sensitivity, blurred vision, tearing, and the feeling that you have something in your eye.

Tanning Beds, UV Rays, and Your Eyes

There is a wide range of problems that can occur from long-term eye exposure to the sun and/or tanning beds. While the latter may be great to get the perfect skin tone in a hurry, it can cause a number of problems over a period of time. These problems include blurred vision, macular degeneration, which causes problems with general eyesight, and a type of eye cancer called choroidal melanoma. It’s important to be aware of all these problems so that you know the risks that are associated with UV overexposure.

UV Ray Eye Protection

The best and easiest way to avoid the complications discussed above is to simply avoid extended periods of harmful UV rays from both the tanning bed and the sun. That may not be feasible all the time, so it’s important to always wear proper eye protection.

Never use a tanning bed without tanning goggles. Sunglasses and towels won’t suffice because they don’t completely protect your eyes from every direction and the eyes themselves are too thin. If you do decide to go to a tanning salon, most offer disposable goggles for purchase.

It’s important to wear adequate eye protection when in the sun as well. While the UV level from the sun isn’t necessarily as concentrated in comparison to a tanning bed, the exposure time is usually much longer and can result in more damage. If you decide to wear sunglasses, they should block 100% UV rays and, preferably, wraparound your head to provide maximum protection. Children should also wear eye protection because they are prone to eye damage due to extended periods of time outside.

Visit The Best Kuwait Ophthalmologist Today

Ghassan Zein, M.D. is a world-renowned Kuwait ophthalmologist, a fellow at Harvard Medical School, and one of the best eye doctors in Kuwait. His primary focus is on providing top of the line eye treatment and patient care at all times. He has extensive experience in treating all types of eye problems, including pink eye and blepharitis, at the Beverly Hills Medical Center Kuwait (BHMC). BHMC prides itself on providing the best care in a relaxing and comfortable environment.

If you are considering eye treatment options in Kuwait, schedule a consultation with Dr. Zein at BHMC by calling +(965)-222-89999 today.