UVR is quite beneficial in moderate exposure, mainly by stimulating the production of vitamin D, essential for the skin and cardiovascular system. However, excessive exposure can cause eye damage to various eye structures, namely the cornea, lens, eyelids and/or retina.

Despite the need to reinforce prevention during the year’s hottest season, it is important to mention that care should be taken throughout the year. This is because two of the main negative effects of UVR on vision health are due to recurrent exposure over the years. Among these problems are cataracts and macular degeneration.

A cataract is an alteration in the transparency (opacification) of the lens which is located behind the iris. This process limits the passage of light to the retina, preventing the images from forming. Currently, more than 95% of people over the age of 65 years develop cataracts, as this problem derives from a natural aging process, but which can be aggravated by risk factors such as excessive exposure to UVR.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a maculopathy characterised by the degeneration of the photoreceptor cells that make up the macula, the central region of the retina, causing a gradual and progressive loss of their functions. At an early stage, the disease may be imperceptible, but as it develops, the person begins to identify some vision alterations, such as image distortion and difficulty in recognising facial features. AMD is one of the main causes of blindness after the age of 60, and it has been proven that excessive and continuous exposure to UVR is associated with its appearance.

The groups that are regarded at higher risk of sun exposure are children, the elderly, the chronically ill and people who exercise professions that require a constant outdoor presence.

When not properly protected, the risk of developing an eye injury will be greater.

Even though we may not be included in the groups at higher risk, it is crucial to follow the main recommendations for protection against UVR exposure: whenever leaving the house, wear sunglasses, with adequate UVR protection (make sure the lenses have the characteristics necessary to effectively protect the eyes, otherwise UV rays can severely affect the eyeball, causing more and greater damage than it would have in if sunglasses were not worn at all); wear a hat, preferably with wide brims, to prevent direct radiation; use specific sunscreen for the peri-ocular area; avoid sun exposure between 11am and 5pm and always choose to stay in the shade, but without removing sunglasses. On the beach, for example, water and sand reflect UVR.


Grupo HPA Saude - tel: +351 282 420 400