It’s no secret that the sun is a powerful force. It can give us warmth and energy on a cold day, or make us feel like we’re on vacation when we’re stuck in the office. But the sun can also be harmful to our health – especially our eyes. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how sunlight exposure can damage our eyes, and what steps we can take to protect them.

Why does the sun damage eyes?

The sun emits UV rays, which are a type of electromagnetic radiation. This radiation is invisible to the human eye, but it can be harmful to our health. When UV rays hit the retina, they can damage the cells in that area. 

What kind of damage can sunlight exposure do to eyes:

• Solar retinopathy: a condition that occurs when the retina is damaged by too much exposure to sunlight. Solar retinopathy can cause vision problems like blurriness, dark spots, and even blindness.
• Cataracts: when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and causes vision problems. It can also cause 
• Pterygium: A growth develops on the white part of the eye.

How to protect your eyes from the sun:

• Wear sunglasses that block out UV light. Make sure to choose a pair that wraps around your head and covers your entire field of vision – the wider the better. 
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade your eyes. 
• Be sure to limit your time in direct sunlight, especially during the middle of the day when the sun’s rays are strongest.

Symptoms of eye damage from sunlight exposure:

• Blurred vision,
• Trouble seeing at night, 
• Changes in color vision. 

If you experience any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as possible. They will be able to determine if you have eye damage and, if so, what treatment options are available.

Treatments for eye damage from sunlight exposure:

Cataracts and Pterygium are often treated with surgery. There is no cure for solar retinopathy, but there are treatments that can help improve vision. These include wearing sunglasses or other protective eyewear, avoiding direct sunlight exposure, and using artificial tears to lubricate the eyes. If your vision is still blurry after these treatments, your doctor may suggest that you see a retina specialist for further treatment.

While eye damage from sunlight exposure can be serious, it’s important to remember that it is preventable. By taking steps to protect your eyes from the sun, you can help reduce your risk of developing eye damage. So next time you head outdoors, don’t forget to grab your sunglasses and hat!

This Post Is Part Of A Series: 101 Toolbox Topic Ideas For The Construction Industry
Do you struggle to come up with toolbox talk ideas each week to discuss with your workers? Fear no more, Work Safety QLD is here to the rescue with 101 Free Toolbox Talk Ideas for the Construction Industry.