Skin is not the only organ of the human body that needs protection from its UV radiation (UV) sunglass. The look It is just as vulnerable to its effects, especially in outdoor activities without hat and sunglasses.
These activities are very common, especially when they are entertaining. Few, for example, play rackets wearing sunglasses and even fewer play volleyball beach or hats and glasses. However the exposure of the eyes to the sun without protection It may result in photockenceratitis, an extremely painful condition that can cause vision loss. Photoceratitis is essentially sunburn on the surface of the eyes, which usually manifests bilaterally (in both eyes).
“Ultraviolet radiation enters the eyes in many directions, as it reflects on smooth surfaces around us (eg in the sand, sea water, glass buildings, etc.). The consequence is to cause damage to the epithelial cells of cornea Tint, but also in the conjunctiva covering the anterior part of the eye bulb and the interior of the eyelids, “says Dr. Anastasios-i. Kanellopoulos, MD, Surgeon-Ophthalmologist, Founder and Scientific Director of the Laservision Institute of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology Professor at the University of New York.
The lesions in the epithelial cells of the cornea expose its underlying nerves, resulting in severe pain and other symptoms. The symptoms They may be mild to severe gravity and occur shortly after exposure or late (late). It is estimated that it takes 30 minutes to 12 hours for the patient to develop discomfort such as:
- Pain, usually in both eyes
- Blushing of eye and eyelids
- Reduced vision
- Tear (eyes tear a lot)
- Feeling that sand has been entered in the eyes
- Edema (swelling) of the eyelids
- Photophobia (very high sensitivity to light)
- Headache
In rare cases patients develop Changes in the perception of colors And loss of vision, which fortunately is transient. They may also have a facial erythema.
“The longer the exposure to the ultraviolet radiation of the sun without eye protection, the more severe the symptoms of photoceratitis can be. If a patient develops severe pain, very red eyes or changes in his or her eyesight, he must leave the sun immediately and urgently consult his ophthalmologist, “Mr. Kanellopoulos stresses.
Like all sunburn, photoceratitis soon recedes by taking certain basic measures. The corneal epithelium usually heals alone in 24 to 72 hoursas long as the sufferer stays indoors, dark space, without any exposure to UV. However, to soothe their symptoms, the patient may need supportive treatment, such as artificial tears, analgesic (painkillers) oral drugs and local antibiotic treatment.
But he should not cover his eyes, because this can slow down the healing of the cornea, the professor warns. It must also avoid rubbing the eyes and place cool patches (compresses) on its closed eyelids.
If the patient is a user contact lensit must avoid them until the lesions in its cornea are fully healed and completely recede its symptoms.
After one or two days after the initial diagnosis of photockeratitis, new ophthalmologist communication will be needed to find out about the progress of symptoms. The ophthalmologist must be informed immediately of any new symptom or deterioration of the pain that may occur.
Photoceratitis typically does not leave permanent problems in the eyes. However, it is well known that exposure of the eyes to UV radiation without precautions can lead to pathologies ranging from flap and erythema to eyelid cancer or even the retina of the eyes (melanoma retina).
For this reason it is necessary Always wear protective sunglassesWhen we are in outdoor spaces, Mr. Kanellopoulos emphasizes. We need to obtain these from optics stores, where we will be informed about the protection they provide (they must be 100% against UVA and UVB). They must also be large to cover the eyes around, protecting them from the reflected ultraviolet radiation.
Also make sure your children will constantly wear a hat and sunglasses In the outdoor spaces, although many are disadvantaged. Their eyes are extremely vulnerable to UV because they tend to have older daughters, so they pass more light and their crystalline lens is more transparent than adults, so it does not absorb enough UV.
“The good news with photoceratitis is that it is almost always a transient condition, with symptoms usually receding within 1-2 days. They can also soothe with simple measures. However, the patient should avoid exposure to the sun until he is recovered and, of course, does not repeat without a hat and sunglasses. And this, because sunlight along with some other factors (smoking, malnutrition, heredity) in the long run is the main reason for the loss of vision in old age due to other serious ophthalmopaths, such as degeneration of macular“, Concludes Mr. Kanellopoulos.