Visakhapatnam: Summer can take a toll on our eyes. Ophthalmologists say that prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays, particularly during the summer when the intensity of radiation is higher, coupled with allergens and pollutants in the air can bring on a host of problems including dry eyes, allergies and some serious conditions.
Dr Ch. Srinivasa Rao, glaucoma specialist at the Sandhya Eye Hospitals, said, “What begins as dry eyes, itchy eyes or eye allergy with excessive exposure to UV rays may end up as pinguecula and pterygium. Some may also develop cata-racts with long-term exposure.”
Extended exposure to sunrays is also said to be the preliminary reason in Indians dev-eloping cataracts at an early age of 40-50 ye-ars compared to developed countries. For those living by water bodies, the reflective effect of sunrays from water and sand also poses an equal risk.
“Wearing quality sunglasses, cleaning the eyes on a regular basis and applying lubricating drops for the eyes on a specialist’s advice can go a long way in preventing summer-related eye problems,” he added.
Despite knowing the risks involved in exposure to UV rays, many people do not make the effort to purchase quality eyeglasses.
Speaking to this nespaper, Dr G. Seshu Ba-bu, a comprehensive ophthalmologist, suggested that people ma-ke UV-blocking glasses an indispensable part of their summer gear.
“Prolonged exposure to invisible ultraviolet and infrared rays can damage various parts of the eye, including the cornea, lens and conjunctiva,” Dr Seshu Babu said.
