India reels under heatwave: 4 easy ways to keep your eyes safe, vision protected
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Loading... - Kabir Laghari
- 18 May 2022
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The blazing heat is becoming uncomfortable as the temperature rises day by day. Many cities are experiencing heat waves, and residents are being advised to take precautions. While we can cover our body with clothing and sunscreen from head to toe, our eyes are left exposed. Not only are UV rays detrimental to the eyes, but they are also exposed to filth, pollution, and heat. This might make them itch and hurt, and it can even cause the vision to distort. For the sake of their health, it is critical to protect the eyes from heatwaves.
India Today spoke to Dr Charu Tyagi, MBBS, DNB (Ophthalmology) MNAMS. She gave us her expert advice on how we can take care of our eyes during the scorching heat.
1. SUNGLASSES SAGA:
Almost all ocular structures, including the eyelid, are damaged by UV rays. Outdoor activities should be avoided between 10 am and 4 pm. When the sun is at its strongest, even on a misty day, one can get sunburned. It's just as crucial to wear sunglasses with enough UV protection as it is to wear a hat with a wide brim.
Dr Tyagi said it is highly important to wear UV-protected appropriate glasses.
“Cheap glasses are acrylic, not proper CR39 and they mostly have an unclear vision which gives you eyestrain and headache, they do not provide proper UV protection,” said Dr Charu Tyagi.
2. DANGERS OF DIRECT SUNLIGHT:
“Direct sunlight makes your eyes more dry and prone to an eye infection. It darkens the skin with higher melanin formation through stimulation of the pineal gland”, said Dr Tyagi.
She also said that direct sunlight makes you more prone to retinal damage which leads to decreased visual activity permanently.
3. PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE:
The skin of the eyelids is the thinnest on the entire body. Dryness, wrinkles, exaggerated skin furrows, sagging, loss of elasticity and speckled pigmentation are all symptoms of UV damage. Squamous cell carcinomas, basal cell carcinomas, and cutaneous melanoma are all linked to ultraviolet light. Squamous cell carcinoma can develop on the skin, the conjunctiva, the cornea, and the inside of the eye, necessitating the removal of the entire eye in some cases.
“Avoid unnecessary exposure, wear hats or take an umbrella if you have to go outside in scorching heat, UV protect by wearing appropriate sunglasses and keep yourself hydrated,” said Dr Charu Tyagi.
4. PROTECT YOUR EYES:
UV radiation is absorbed by the front surface of the eye in 99 per cent of cases. When UV light is reflected off the water, such as during water sports or skiing, it can cause corneal damage.
Sunlight and UV radiation have both been linked to cataract development. This injury is permanent. Surgery is the only treatment for cataracts that interfere with daily activities. Read More...
