Columnists

Enjoy The Sun With Care

Issue 14.16

As the summer heats up in Southern Utah, the draw towards outdoor activities intensifies. From hiking to boating to swimming, we find ourselves enjoying the breathtaking beauty and the wonderful activities that the area is known for. And with it comes increased exposure to the sun’s scorching rays. While most people lather on the sunscreen, protecting the eyes often falls to the wayside. Just as the sun can burn the skin, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage the eyes as well. And just as skin can become leathery and wrinkled from sun damage, the eye can undergo similar changes.

Long term exposure to the sun can lead to a common eye condition called a pterygium. Also known as “Surfer’s eye”, a pterygium is a noncancerous growth of tissue on the white of the eye, usually on the side closest to the nose. The earliest stages are known as a pinguecula, and is only located on the white of the eye. Usually at this point, no treatment is needed, other than an occasional use of artificial tears. As it advances, it may begin to cover the cornea with a triangular-shaped growth. The eye may feel more irritated and scratchy, and redness of the eye may be more noticeable. The pterygium may also distort the cornea, as well as block light from entering the eye.

When the pterygium starts causing visual problems, surgery is usually done to remove the growth. The earlier the tissue is removed, the better the visual outcome. As the pterygium moves to the center of the cornea, scar tissue is laid down, which may permanently distort the shape of the cornea, leading to difficulty in obtaining good vision with glasses. In addition, the pterygium may recur after removal, necessitating further surgery.

The best treatment is prevention. Those with a fair complexion and light eyes (light brown, blue and hazel) are more susceptible to UV sun damage, but everyone, regardless of age, race or sex are at risk. Wearing sunglasses immensely helps protect the eyes from sun damage. Wrap-around style – and the bigger, the better – can best limit the amount of sunlight that reaches the eye. Look for lenses that block 95%-100% of both UV-A and UV-B rays, not just those that have a dark tint. Sunglasses that meet this protection level are usually labeled UV400. Polarized glasses block light in a different manner, reducing glare, especially from light rays reflecting off of water or snow. But always make sure that they offer UV protection as well.

Wide brimmed hats are also important when outdoors. If eyes become irritated or feel gritty, they may be dry, and routine use of artificial tears may help. Regular exams with your eye doctor can also help determine the extent of pterygium growth, and whether surgery is needed.

The bright summer days are ahead of us! Get out and enjoy all the activities that Southern Utah has to offer. Just remember to protect your eyes – and those of your children – from the sun!

Dr. Edwards is southern Utah’s only fellowship-trained cornea specialist.

For more information, please contact Dixie Ophthalmic Specialists at Zion Eye Institute, 435-656-2020.

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