Do I Have Increased Risk Of Eye Damage From UV Light?

Do you spend a lot of time time outside engaging in outdoor activities, without UV-absorbent sunglasses?

Do you spend a lot of time time outside when the sun is high in the sky, around 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.?

Do you do hiking?

Do you often go to the solarium without wearing UV-blocking sunglasses?

Do you do welding jobs?

Do you have light-colored eyes?

Did you have cataract surgery?

Do you take antibiotics containing fluoroquinolones and tetracycline (including doxycycline and Cipro)?

Do you take birth control and estrogen pills (including Lovral and premarin)?

Are you using a medicine called phenothiazine (a medicine used to treat malaria)?

Are you on diuretics or tranquilizers?

Do you use a drug called psoralens to treat your psoriasis?

Based on your answers you have a low risk of eye damage from UV light. UV light from the sun or other sources can negatively affect the health of your eyes and eyesight in several ways. There are three types of UV rays: UV-A, UV-B and UV-C. The ozone layer in the atmosphere absorbs UV-C radiation so that it cannot damage the eyes, while UV-A and UV-B sun rays can cause transient or permanent eye damage. UV rays can damage the cornea, a transparent layer at the front of the eye. UV-A rays can additionally penetrate into the deeper layers of the eye, causing more serious damage.

Based on your answers you have a moderate risk of eye damage from UV light. Ultraviolet light is a part of the invisible light spectrum. Extremely strong UV light or prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to varying degrees of damage to your eyes or eyesight. Surfaces such as snow, water or white sand have reflective properties so they can send too much UV light into your eye. If you spend a lot of time outside engaging in outdoor activities, be sure to wear UV-absorbent sunglasses. People with light colored eyes are more susceptible to eye diseases that are associated with the negative effects of UV light.

Based on your answers you have a high risk of eye damage from UV light. Ultraviolet radiation comes from the sun, but can also be emitted by other sources such as lasers, lamps used in solariums and welding equipment. People at any age can be susceptible to UV damage. Prolonged exposure to even small amounts of UV radiation can increase your risk of developing eye diseases such as photokeratitis, cataracts or macular degeneration. People who have had cataract surgery or those taking photosensitizing drugs (some antibiotics, psoriasis medications, or some types of anti-baby pills) must wear UV-blocking sunglasses and a cap for extra protection whenever they go outside.