For many people, sunglasses are primarily about appearance and comfort. In fact, their main purpose is to protect the eyes from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is just as harmful to vision as it is to the skin.
Dr. Suzanne
Suzanne is an ophthalmologist, author of more than 17 scientific publications, and patent-holder. She has participated in international scientific conferences as a speaker and her professional interests include ophthalmic-oncology. ## Experience - Student of Therapeutic Medicine at the Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 2009–2015. - Residency program in Ophthalmology, the Helmholtz Research Institute of Eye Diseases, 2015–2017. - Postgraduate student at the Department of Ophthalmic-oncology and Radiology of the Helmholtz Research Institute of Eye Diseases, 2017–2020. - Ophthalmologist at the "SM-Clinic" since 2021. - PhD thesis "Long-term results of treatment of patients with retinoblastoma", 2021
A hidden threat
Sunlight consists of different types of rays, but the most dangerous for the eyes are ultraviolet rays — specifically UV-A and UV-B. These rays can damage the tissues of the eye, from the cornea to the retina. Unlike a sunburn of the skin, the negative effects of excessive sun exposure to the eyes accumulate over time and may not show up immediately.
The degree of damage depends on the wavelength of the UV rays, as well as the duration, intensity, and surface area of exposure. Frequent and prolonged exposure to sunlight without eye protection increases the risk of the following conditions:
- Photokeratitis: a sunburn of the cornea that causes stinging, redness, tearing, and temporary vision impairment.
- Cataracts: clouding of the lens that can develop more quickly wit...
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