Sun and eyes: protecting your vision this summer
Ultraviolet light, glare, swimming with contact lenses: summer particularly exposes our eyes. The right habits to protect the whole family, by Dr Mayer Srour.
We think of sunscreen for the skin, much less of ultraviolet light for the eyes. Yet UV rays also pass through the structures of the eye, and their effects add up over a lifetime. Summer — beach, swimming, mountains, car journeys — is the period when our eyes are most exposed.
What the sun really does to your eyes
In the short term, intense unprotected exposure can cause photokeratitis, a true « sunburn » of the cornea: painful but generally reversible, it typically occurs at sea or in the mountains, where glare from water or sand greatly amplifies the dose of UV received.
In the long term, cumulative UV exposure is a recognised factor in earlier development of cataract and contributes to ageing of the ocular surface (pterygium, pinguecula). One more reason to protect a retina that you want to keep healthy for life.
Choosing sunglasses well
The essential criterion is not the tint of the lens but the marking: choose CE-marked category 3 lenses (or 4 for high mountains — not permitted for driving), filtering 100% of UV. A very dark lens without a UV filter is worse than a clear lens with a filter: the pupil dilates behind the dark lens and lets in more UV. Wraparound frames also protect against side rays.
Children first
A child’s lens filters UV much less than an adult’s: a significant share of lifetime exposure builds up before the age of 18. A hat, cap and suitable sunglasses (category 3, close-fitting frame) should be as routine as sunscreen, from the youngest age.
Contact lenses, swimming and summer
Some contact lenses include a UV filter, but they do not cover the whole surface of the eye and never replace sunglasses. And remember the golden rule of summer: do not swim with your contact lenses in — pool, sea or lake water exposes you to corneal infections that can be severe. Prefer daily lenses thrown away after swimming, or prescription swimming goggles.
When should you see a doctor?
Red, painful eye after a day of exposure, persistent sensitivity to light, drop in vision, feeling of a veil: consult promptly. The Grand Paris Ophtalmologie practice sees eye emergencies the same day, without an appointment, Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 7 pm. Emergencies are also seen between 1 pm and 2 pm, with no break.
For an eye check before the holidays, a contact lens renewal or a specialist opinion, book an appointment on Doctolib or on 01 85 10 57 00 (from abroad: +33 1 85 10 57 00). — Dr Mayer Srour, ophthalmic surgeon, retinal specialist.
Frequently asked questions
Do cheap sunglasses damage the eyes?
What matters is the CE marking and the protection category (3 for summer), not the price. A dark lens that does not filter UV, however, should be avoided at all costs: it dilates the pupil without blocking UV.
Does my child really need to wear sunglasses?
Yes: a child’s lens lets through much more UV than an adult’s. A hat and category 3 sunglasses from the youngest age, especially at the beach and in the mountains.
Can you swim with contact lenses in?
No. Pool, sea or lake water exposes you to potentially serious corneal infections. Remove your lenses before swimming or use daily lenses thrown away immediately afterwards.