Cumulative exposure to the sun’s UV rays can lead to permanent loss of vision, experts warn.
Studies have shown that UV exposure is one of the main risk factors of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and clouding of the eye’s lens.
Iain Anderson, chairman of the Eyecare Trust, explained: "UV damage to the eyes is cumulative and totally irreversible… Even on cloudy days we should all be wearing UV protective lenses when the UV index reaches three or above."
Pterygium is another condition related to UV exposure. It is a growth on the white of the eye, which encroaches onto the cornea and obscures vision.
According to the National Eye Institute, cataracts are very common in older people. Figures indicate that by the age of 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.
Smoking and diabetes are other known risk factors for developing cataracts.
