Medical Technology Academic Explains the Harms of Ultraviolet Rays

High exposure to ultraviolet rays has consequences on the skin and eyes. Knowing what damage it causes to ocular structures and how to prevent it is key.

In the middle of summer it is necessary to protect the eyes from the effects of the sun and for this it is necessary to know what the effects of UV radiation in order to prevent them with the proper choice of lenses.

It should be considered that the Exposure damages are varied and range from acute inflammation to irrecoverable degenerative processes. In addition, they are directly related to the time and time of exposure, the location where the person was, and the type of protection used.

“UV radiation from the sun is highly damaging to ocular structures, since at this level there are areas of very delicate skin and the eyeball has a mucous membrane that can be altered. This is because, being an invisible energy, it accumulates in our cells, and can generate different levels of damage”, he explains. Julie Gajardo coordinator of the mention of Ophthalmology and Optometry of the career of Medical technology of the San Sebastian University.

How is UV radiation classified?

Three categories are established: UVA, which includes radiation between 315-380nm wavelength, UVB, which reaches wavelengths between 280-315nm and the UVC that contemplates the radiations between 180-280 nm wavelength. The shorter this length, the more damaging the radiation.

The academic points out that the eyelids, the cornea and the conjunctiva “absorb UV rays from up to 290nmbut prolonged exposure can also damage these tissues, generating redness and swelling, including ulcers dependent on the level of exposure.

For example, “an immediate alteration could occur in the corneal area causing a painful burn, as in photokeratitis and in the actinic keratitis where the patient will immediately notice blurred vision, excessive tearing, redness and eye pain.

On the other hand, he states that cumulative damage occurs slowly when exposure is prolonged and intensified by dry eyes and pollution.

Other damage can occur internally to the eye, by promoting the early onset of cataract, “given that the lens physiologically absorbs radiation between approximately 295-350 nm, but constant exposure triggers alteration of its proteins, which generates accumulated photoxidation”.

Diseases

The medical technologist emphasizes that excessive exposure to UV rays “can lead to diseases caused by photochemical damage to the retina which, in conjunction with the accumulation of oxidative wasteare considered a risk factor for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD), in these cases patients will notice decreased central vision. While photothermal type damage can cause various retinopathies and even retinal burns. In addition, the damage to the ocular adnexa is latent, since squamous cell carcinoma can present in periocular skin tumors, being more frequent in those who have had chronic exposure to the sun”.

For this reason, it is recommended that people use suitable sunglasses and a annual control with a specialist either an ophthalmologist or a medical technologist in Ophthalmology and Optometry for proper diagnosis and treatment in case of damage by ultraviolet rays.