Ophthalmologist Dr. Angelika Kazantseva reported that people with light-colored eyes are more prone to developing cataracts as a result of sun exposure.
According to her, eye strain increases when exposed to bright sunlight.
She said: "Ultraviolet radiation, which is a chronic damaging agent to eye tissue, can accelerate the development of cataracts in people with light-colored eyes."
She added, explaining: "Ultraviolet rays stimulate the formation of free radicals, which are active molecules that damage cellular structure. As a result, the proteins of the eye lens, corneal cells, and retina are damaged. This effect does not appear immediately, but accumulates over time."
The cornea absorbs most ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and excessive exposure can lead to photokeratitis, a condition similar to sunburn. Symptoms usually appear after a few hours and include a burning sensation in the eye, increased tear production, light sensitivity, and a gritty feeling in the eye.
Ultraviolet rays also penetrate deeper layers of the eye, causing gradual changes in the structure of lens proteins, which over time leads to their hardening and clouding, causing cataracts. This risk is directly related to the duration and intensity of exposure to ultraviolet rays.
Chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation is a major factor in the early development of cataracts, especially in people who are frequently exposed to direct sunlight.
She said: "The most vulnerable groups include children, because their eye lens is more transparent, allowing more ultraviolet rays to pass through, as well as people who have had eye surgery, people with light irises, and people who spend long periods outdoors."
To prevent cataracts and other eye problems, it is recommended to wear high-quality sunglasses that provide 99 to 100 percent protection from ultraviolet rays. However, tinted lenses that lack a UV filter can be more dangerous than not wearing sunglasses at all, because the dilated pupils allow more harmful radiation to enter.
When buying sunglasses, the doctor recommended choosing lenses labeled UV400 and ensuring they are free of distortions and defects, along with selecting a frame large enough to provide lateral eye protection. She emphasized that regular eye protection is not just a precautionary measure, but an effective way to reduce the cumulative risk of developing serious eye diseases.
