UVR and its effects on our eyes
UVR can have serious effects on our eyes. There are several types of UVR that can injure our eyes: UVA from tanning lamps; UVC from arc welding equipment; direct UVR from exposure to the sun; and reflected UVR, usually UVB, from snow, water, the beach or other reflective material.
When our eyes are exposed to too much UVR the typical reaction is: after a few hours the eyes will feel irritated and gritty with profuse watering. Spasms of the eyelid may make it difficult to keep them open and light will cause severe discomfort. These feelings usually last up to 48 hours until the burnt surfaces of the conjunctiva and cornea are regenerated.
The formation of cataracts is a real risk with exposure to solar UVR. A cataract is the clouding of the lens of the eye. Cataracts are not the only condition that can arise from exposure to solar UVR. Exposure to UVB in the first ten years of life has been found to be a significant factor in the development of Pterygium and cancer of the eye surface. Pterygiums are roughly triangular fleshy membrane growing on the clear covering over the white of the eye, which crosses over on to the cornea and begins to cover the clear cornea, interfering with vision.
The rate of eye cancer has risen as the hole in the ozone layer has widened and our exposure to UVR increased.