Dangers of Summer Sunlight to Eye Health: Heed Caution, Says Dr. Al-Dhafiri, Advising Beaches Visitors
Sun's Scorching Stare: Dr. Al-Dhafiri's Warning on Eye Health
Summer's sultry kiss can be a double-edged sword, warns Dr. Yousef Al-Dhafiri, the titan of the Retinal Diseases Unit at Jaber Hospital and a renowned ophthalmology consultant. He's issued a stern caution against basking in the sun's glare, highlighting its potentially devastating impact on our peepers.
This sizzling season, we're vulnerable to a barrage of eye maladies, including dry eyes, dust allergy-induced woes, corneal pterygium, cataracts, and degenerative retinopathy, among others. The scorching heat amplifies sunlight reflection on beaches, playing a nasty trick: raising the risk of corneal ulcers and persisting dryness.
Eye infections proliferate during the summer, especially among young swimmers. These infections, general as they may be, can be readily transmitted through contact with infected peers. Chlorinated pool water often causes redness, irritation, and itchiness—particularly when goggles are nowhere in sight. Dr. Al-Dhafiri strongly endorses steering clear of submerging eyes underwater and forswearing contacts in dusty climes, opting instead for prescription spectacles.
Dr. Al-Dhafiri draws attention to dry eyes, a common adversary in the summertime. Air conditioners, especially in vehicles, acerbate eye dryness, given their increased airflow and tear evaporation. Dust mixed with pollen further fans the flames of allergic reactions, resulting in redness and tearing. He advises donning sunglasses, rinsing eyes with clean water, and wiping eyelids to maintain hygiene. Care should be taken to select sunscreens suitable for facial use and to keep them away from the eyes to ward off burning and ulcers.
Long-term sun exposure seeds cataracts and accelerates degenerative retinopathy caused by UV rays. Dr. Al-Dhafiri underscores the importance of safeguarding both the young and the elderly, particularly those with pre-existing ocular ailments, from prolonged sun exposure.
Summertime ushers an increase in viral eye diseases, with children being the most susceptible. Dr. Al-Dhafiri implores parents to seek medical attention should their kids present with red eyes, pain, or yellow discharge following a swim. Timely medical intervention averts complications like corneal wounds.
For the globetrotter, Dr. Al-Dhafiri advocates steering clear of contacts on flights longer than four hours due to the risk of bacterial infection from dry cabin air. Travelers should arm themselves with moisturizing drops and adhere to cleanliness before applying medication, especially to those with eye pressure who need consistent drop doses.
Addressing pilgrims, Dr. Al-Dhafiri demarcated nine key tips for ocular protection during Hajj: maintaining hand hygiene, keeping hands away from eyes, avoiding crowds, abstaining from wearing contacts during rituals, lugging enough medication—including eye drops—stored hygienically, avoiding sun exposure, donning protective sunglasses, and minimizing contact with people afflicted by viral ailments.
On the therapeutic front, Dr. Al-Dhafiri lauded advancements in managing dry eye conditions. Preservative-free moisturizing drops and single-use ampoules now grace the market. He encouraged the use of vitamin-enriched drops and, in more severe cases, tear duct plugs. Modern technology, he added, facilitates eyelid massage using cutting-edge devices, assuaging blocked glands and improving lubrication.
Dr. Al-Dhafiri, in conclusion, urged the public to be vigilant in safeguarding their eyes during the summer, especially in outdoor settings, to avert long-term damage and ensure eye health.
Enrichment: While specific information from Dr. Al-Dhafiri on potential eye conditions caused by direct sun exposure during summer is scant, general issues and prevention methods abound.
Potential Eye Conditions from Sun Exposure
Photokeratitis: Often referred to as "sunburn of the eye," this condition manifests as pain, light sensitivity, and a gritty feeling when caused by intense UV exposure.Cataracts and Macular Degeneration: Prolonged UV exposure can speed up the development of these conditions, which are primary reasons for vision loss.Pinguecula and Pterygium: These are non-cancerous growths on the white of the eye caused by UV exposure and can impact vision if left untreated.Dry Eyes: Triggered by hot weather, wind, and AC systems, this condition leads to itchiness, redness, and blurred vision.
Prevention Methods
- Wear Sunglasses with UV Protection: Opt for sunglasses that block 100% UVA and UVB rays. Look for UV400 labels or polarized lenses for additional glare protection.
- Maintain a Balanced Diet: Incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants to bolster eye health.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink sufficient water to maintain eye moisture and minimize dryness.
- Photokeratitis, or the "sunburn of the eye," results from intense UV exposure and presents symptoms such as pain, light sensitivity, and a gritty feeling.
- Prolonged UV exposure can speed up the development of cataracts and macular degeneration, both leading causes of vision loss.
- Pinguecula and pterygium are non-cancerous growths on the white of the eye caused by UV exposure, potentially affecting vision if left untreated.
- Direct sun exposure during summer can also trigger dry eyes, a condition caused by hot weather, wind, and AC systems, resulting in itchiness, redness, and blurred vision.
- To prevent these eye conditions, wear sunglasses with UV protection that block 100% UVA and UVB rays, such as sunglasses with UV400 labels or polarized lenses.
- Maintaining a balanced diet enriched with omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants helps bolster overall eye health.
- Staying hydrated, by consuming adequate amounts of water, is essential for maintaining eye moisture and minimizing dryness.
- Workplace wellness programs could promote eye health by offering ergonomic monitors, blink reminding software, and break reminders to combat the strain on eyes caused by long hours in front of screens.
- Men might experience specific challenges with maintaining eye health due to various factors like neglect, health literacy, and reduced access to healthcare.
- Women may need to pay extra attention to hormonal changes during pregnancy or antibiotics use during breastfeeding, affecting their eye health.
- Parents should also prioritize their eye health during the diaper-changing process, as poor posture and insufficient lighting may strain their eyes.
- Mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, can impact eye health due to the increased stress levels, minutes spent in front of screens, and less time spent outdoors.
- Incorporating fitness and exercise into daily routines not only benefits cardiovascular health but also aids in maintaining healthy eye pressure and reducing the risk of certain eye conditions.
- Therapies and treatments for various eye conditions, from medication for cataracts to surgical interventions for glaucoma, are available within the realm of medical services offered by Medicare, making it essential for seniors to ensure they have adequate coverage.
- CBD, a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis, may offer potential benefits for managing certain eye conditions due to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to decrease intraocular pressure.
- Skin conditions, such as rosacea and eczema, can impact eye health by causing inflammation and irritation. Daily skin-care routines that include cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection can help manage these conditions and protect the eye area.
- Neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease can affect eye health by causing double vision, dry eyes, and conjunctivitis. Speaking to an ophthalmologist to manage these symptoms is essential for effective treatment and prognosis.
