What kinds of eye damage does UV Radiation cause?
A. Cataracts, Cataracts are lens opacities caused by long term exposure to UV radiation. Lens opacities can potentially decrease vision. Macular degeneration Chronic UV exposure may contribute to aging processes in the retina, including macular degeneration. Pterygium is a growth tissue on the white of the eye that may extend onto the clear cornea where it can block vision. It presents most commonly in people who work outdoors in the sun and wind, and is correlated to the amount of UV exposure. Cancer of the skin, including the eyelids and facial skin, is a well-known consequence of excessive UV exposure. Photokeratitis is a reversible sunburn of the cornea resulting from excessive UV-B exposure. It follows from spending long hours on the beach or snow without eye protection. It can be extremely painful for 1-2 days and can result in temporary loss of vision.