The eye has a natural ability to protect itself from excess light (by reducing the pupil opening). Ultraviolet rays, which are invisible to the naked eye and do not heat up, can therefore cause damage to your eyes without you really realizing it. It's vital not to look at the sun, otherwise you risk irreparable damage to your retina.
If the sun can have positive effects on your eyes and body :
- In children, lack of sun exposure is associated with the development and progression of myopia.
- In the elderly, the sun plays a role in preventing osteoporosis, as certain cells produce vitamin D under the action of UVB rays.
- Sunlight regulates our internal clock and therefore our sleep cycle.
- Sunlight, through the hormone serotonin (which regulates mood, appetite and sleep), has a positive effect on morale.
Overexposure to the sun can have the same effect on your eyes as it does on your skin: sunburn. Over time, if the appropriate precautions are not taken, these rays can lead to additional harmful effects such as
- A skin tumor around the eyelids
- Cataracts
- Allergic conjunctivitis
Note that observing the sun through clouds without a special filter (like watching a solar eclipse) can lead to permanent visual impairment.
Even if people's degree of sensitivity to the sun varies, the watchword remains: protection!
The right thing to do :
- Get advice from a specialist to choose the right sunglasses for your needs
- Opt for polarized lenses
- Choose UV-resistant contact lenses
Important: if your eyes have been burned by the sun and you have sensitive eyes, have already suffered corneal damage or symptoms persist for more than 48 hours, consult your ophthalmologist as a matter of urgency.