Does Sunlight Cause or Worsen Cataracts?

If you have recently been diagnosed with cataracts or know someone who has, you may have heard that sunlight can cause or worsen cataracts. According to current research, exposure to UV radiation can accelerate the development of cataracts. That's why wearing sunglasses year round is such an important part of eye care. Think of sunglasses as “sunscreen for the eyes”!

UV Radiation, Cataracts & Vision: What You Need to Know

A cataract is the clouding of the normally clear lens in your eye. If you have cataracts, it may feel as if you’re constantly looking through a fogged-up window. You can still see, but no matter what you do, your vision is not clear or crisp. Cataracts can make it more difficult to drive a car, read a book, and see expressions on people’s faces. Since cataracts typically develop slowly, you may not notice changes to your vision until more advanced stages. That’s why tests for cataracts are so important; the earlier our optometrist in Maple Ridge can diagnose your vision problems, the more we can do to reduce vision loss. Our eye doctor recommends annual exams for individuals aged 65 and older.

Nearly all of the UV light that enters through the eye is absorbed by the cornea and the lens of the eye. Over time, this UV radiation can lead to the development of cataracts and other vision problems, including macular degeneration. UV radiation can irritate and burn the cornea, increasing the risk for skin cancer around the eyelids and a condition known as pterygium, where abnormal tissue growth occurs on the white of the eye.

Choose Sunglasses with 100% UV Protection

Don’t rely on price alone when selecting a pair of sunglasses. Check for the sticker or tag which indicates that the lenses block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. The good news is that there are many affordable sunglasses that offer fully UV protection; you don’t always have to pay for expensive designer shades!

For more information on selecting the right pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes, contact our optometrist in Maple Ridge today at 604-670-4434.