Protect your eyes when out in sun

DEAR DOCTOR K: Does spending time in the sun pose a threat to our eyes? What can we do to protect ourselves?

DEAR READER: Yes, it does. I spoke to Dr. Louis Pasquale, an ophthalmologist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. He noted that spending a lot of time in the sun without sunglasses when you’re young may put you at risk for developing eye problems later. The damage would probably be done in your 20s and 30s.

We don’t know exactly how the sun’s ultraviolet rays cause eye damage. And we also don’t know for certain whether sunlight directly causes certain common eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

But there’s good evidence that sun exposure can cause an eye condition that often leads to other problems. This condition is called “exfoliation syndrome.”

Exfoliation syndrome leaves tiny, dandruff-like flakes in the eye. A buildup of these flakes clogs the eye’s natural drains, which can lead to other problems. Worldwide, it is the most common identifiable cause of two kinds of glaucoma. It is also linked to cataracts and possibly to AMD.

There are no symptoms of exfoliation syndrome until you start to lose your sight from other eye problems. There’s no cure – but there are treatments for the other conditions that may result.

The best way to stop exfoliation syndrome, glaucoma, AMD and cataracts from robbing you of your vision is to discover these conditions before they progress. You can do that with a comprehensive eye exam, done by an ophthalmologist. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends comprehensive eye exams every one to four years, depending on your age.

Finally, it’s never too late to protect your eyes from further sun damage. You can do that with the right pair of sunglasses. Foremost is to make sure the sunglasses protect against ultraviolet rays, both UVA and UVB. You’ll want 95 to 100 percent blockage. You may also consider buying polarized lenses, which reduce glare.