Summer eye health

Our eyes are the windows through which we view the world around us. And like windows, they're exposed to a constant barrage of dust, fine particles, pollution, and light. Now the sun's out, we need to take extra care to keep our eyes healthy. We speak to the experts to find out how you can look after your eyes this summer and to make sure you preserve your vision into old age. Solar rays Whether you're soaking in the sun beside the sea, pool or in the park with the family – it's important to remember that it's not only your skin that can be affected. John Grindle, a Harley Street consultant ophthalmologist, warns that the eyes can get sunburnt, as well as the skin. So, it's important to look after them too. 'The rays from the sun divide into three categories: UVC, UVB and UVA rays, all of which can have some affect on your eye health,' says John Grindle. UVC rays are the most powerful UV rays and potentially could be most harmful to your eyes. Luckily, the ozone layer blocks nearly all UVC rays. UVB rays are filtered partially by the ozone layer, but some reach us on the earth. In small amounts UVB radiation encourages the production of melanin, (a skin pigment), causing the skin to tan. However UVB can also cause burning – remember, eyes can become sunburnt, just as the skin can. UVA have a lower energy than UVB and UVC. However UVA rays are able to penetrate the cornea and reach the lens and retina inside the eye. 'Too much UVA exposure has been implicated in the development of macular degeneration and cataracts,' says John Grindle. It's also linked to a pterygium, a growth on the surface of the eye. While sensitivity to UV rays does vary from person to person, we all need to be careful of the long-term damage through over exposure, much of which is irreversible. So, what can you do? Wear sunglasses  'Even if you're planning to spend your holiday in Cornwall, rather than near the Equator, do protect your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays by wearing good quality sunglasses with a UV400 filter,' advises John Grindle. The College of Optometrists recommends looking for the CE mark given to sunglasses, which fulfil the European standard (BS EN 1836:2005) for sufficient UV protection. If you're prone to sunburn, try wide or wraparound sunglasses that cover delicate eyelids, which can also be affected by skin cancer. Rest your eyes If you do still have to work through the summer – whether it's on a computer screen, Blackberry or iPad – you should give your eyes a break to keep them healthy. GP and former medical correspondent for The Times, Dr Thomas Stuttaford encourages his patients to take five minute breaks away from the computer every hour when spending long stretches of time working with screens. 'While computers don't cause lasting damage to the eyes, staring at screens for hours on end is a strain and may cause headaches, eye discomfort and itchiness,' says Dr Stuttaford. 'Make sure you've got adequate lighting where you're working, and rest the eyes by looking at more distant objects and out of the window regularly,' he says. Other tips are to keep the screen clean, wipe away fingerprints and try to reduce glare by fixing adjustable blinds to windows. Watch out for reflected light   It's not just skiing in winter, where reflected light can become a problem, the sparkling water of a pool or sea, as well as light coloured sand, that can have an impact on your eyes. 'Reflected light from water increases the damaging effect sunlight can have, so if you're on a boat or by the water take extra care to cover your eyes,' says John Grindle. 'Sand at some level is also a reflector. Arabs in the desert wear turbans, and the reason for this is that this reduces the amount of reflective light getting into their eyes,' he says. Alternatively, you can wear a broad brimmed straw hat that will help to shade your eyes from harmful UV rays. On the beach, also try to avoid getting dirt and dust in your eyes because this can have a positive impact in the development of allergic conjunctivitis and other eye conditions. Make sure that you and your children don't stare directly at the sun because this can permanently scar the retina, which lies at the back of the eye and is responsible for vision. The dangers of DIY If you are into your self home-improvements, summer can be a busy time working with power tools outdoors. But be careful – 20,000 eye accidents happen every year linked to DIY. Dr Susan Blakeney, optometric adviser to the College of Optometrists says: 'Take care if planning any DIY because injuries to the eye may affect your sight. The eye is vulnerable because the cornea is only 1/2mm thick'. To protect yourself against flying objects, wear goggles that fit you properly and conform to European Stand BS EN 166. Make sure your whole face is covered, and don't lift your goggles to get a closer look. The most common eye injuries amongst adults, often seen in DIY enthusiasts, have been caused by flying chips of wood or metal. Be careful of flying splinters when chiselling or hammering because these can easily penetrate and damage an unprotected eye. Severe accidents can occasionally lead to loss of an eye and even blindness. Gardening   Dr Stuttaford, a keen gardener, warns that gardening and farming injuries are common amongst his Norfolk patients. 'When pruning, take care when cutting and tidying twigs and branches at eye level because these can get into the eyes and cause painful injuries,' says Dr Stuttaford. Pond water and soil may harbour an unpleasant bug called acanthamoeba, which can cause corneal ulcers.