Intense sunlight burns the skin and eyes... Warning about 'ocular burns'

Sunglasses are not just for style, but for eye protection.

Summer is especially essential, and the saying that it's a must is not just a meaningless phrase.

Just like you should tint your windows to protect your eyes while driving...

An eye burn...

And it also affects eyesight and is said to be a cause of various eye diseases...

You really need to pay more attention to eye protection during the hot summer.

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Photo = Getty Images Korea.

Ultraviolet rays (UV) mixed with intense summer sunlight damage not only the skin but also the eyes in the same way. This is called 'ocular burns.' Without protective gear like sunglasses, prolonged outdoor activities can cause symptoms similar to 'photokeratitis,' where the cornea is damaged by reflected UV rays from the white snow during winter skiing or snowboarding.

Blurred vision, eye spasms, foreign body sensation, small spots, pain, redness of the eyeball or conjunctiva (inflammation causing swelling and redness), tearing, pain, swelling, sensitivity to light, temporary vision loss (very rare cases) are common symptoms of ocular burns.

Usually, symptoms disappear on their own after a day or two. Be careful not to rub or scratch your eyes if they are uncomfortable. If pain persists for more than two days, or if there is temporary vision loss or significant changes in vision, you should visit a hospital and seek a diagnosis from a specialist.

Repeated long-term eye burns can lead to serious damage such as cataracts and macular degeneration.

Methods to alleviate symptoms at home include avoiding bright light, applying cold compresses to the eye area, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, and keeping the eyes moist with artificial tears.

If you suffer an eye burn while wearing contact lenses, remove the lenses immediately and do not wear them until the eye has fully recovered.

Particularly, places to be cautious of are water surfaces (where UV rays are reflected off the water and exposure increases) and high-altitude mountains. Experts say that even on cloudy days, clouds do not completely block UV rays, so wearing sunglasses is good for eye protection.

Photo = Getty Images Korea.

The best way to protect your eyes is to wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat when going outside.

Experts advise choosing sunglasses labeled 'UV400' (blocking 99% of UV-A and UV-B rays with wavelengths below 400 nanometers). The darkness of the lenses is not related to the level of protection. Even light-colored lenses can provide the same protection if they have UV blocking capabilities. Selecting a design that covers the eyes broadly is advantageous for blocking UV rays coming from the sides. Proper sunglasses with UV protection should also be worn by young children.

Contact lens wearers should also wear sunglasses. Many products have UV blocking features, but contact lenses only protect the central part of the eye, so the surrounding area should be covered with sunglasses.