1. Sunlight
Like the skin, the eyes are very delicate and require special care to stay healthy.
Sunlight is essential for producing vitamin D in the body, but it can also damage the eyes in several ways. The most obvious problem is sunburn (photokeratitis), which occurs when you spend too much time outdoors without adequate protection from the sun.
UVA and UVB rays, even when the sky is cloudy or when you are indoors, are harmful to your eyes and can cause vision loss from cataracts and macular degeneration.
Sunlight can damage the conjunctiva, the white part of the eye that covers the cornea and extends to the transparent outer layer (iris) of the eye. This can lead to pterygium, a growth that begins on the white of the eye and gradually spreads to the conjunctiva. This condition can cause prolonged dryness or grittiness, itchy eyes with watery discharge that could ultimately impair vision.
2. Smoking
Smokers are more likely to suffer from eye problems than non-smokers, such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Although these diseases do not cause total vision loss, they can make reading and driving difficult.
Cataracts occur when a clear lens becomes cloudy, preventing light from reaching the retina. They can also cause blurred or double vision.
Smoking also increases the chance of developing uveitis, an infection of the middle layer of the eye that can lead to blindness. Additionally, smoking increases your vulnerability to glaucoma, an eye disease caused by increased pressure inside the eyes that damages the optic nerves and causes vision loss.
3. Chemical substances
Regardless of your job or industry, chemicals can damage your eyesight. These injuries can occur in many ways and can have long-lasting, life-altering consequences.
Eye injuries caused by chemicals are a serious medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Signs may include burning, tearing, pain, and blurred vision.
Chemical eye injuries can occur when liquid or powder chemicals come into contact with the eye. In extreme cases, these chemicals can penetrate to the cornea and cause more serious damage.
When chemical eye injuries occur, it is essential to immediately rinse your eyes with water for at least 15 minutes and see an ophthalmologist if significant symptoms are experienced. Additionally, keep a record of the chemical that caused your injury, as well as any related symptoms or treatments, so your ophthalmologist can accurately assess your ongoing care needs and protect your vision from further damage. By following these tips, you can prevent many chemical eye injuries from occurring.
