UAE: Why wearing sunglasses is not enough to protect your eyes this scorching summer

UAE: Why wearing sunglasses is not enough to protect your eyes this scorching summer

Dubai: After record July heat, climate activists say 2023 could be the hottest year on record. Ophthalmologists in the UAE have said wearing sunglasses is just not enough to protect our eyes in the scorching weather.

Two eye specialists who spoke to Gulf News said it is essential not to overlook the health of our eyes during the summer season.

Ophthalmologists consistently caution against relying solely on plain goggles to protect our eyes from the damaging impact of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Various painful conditions

“During Summer, wearing plain goggles is not enough as eyes must be protected by UV-filtering sunglasses for preventing redness and blurring of vision from a condition called photokeratitis,” said Dr Parth Joshi, ophthalmology specialist at Aster Hospital, Mankhool.

Another acute painful condition that can be caused by prolonged and unprotected exposure to sunlight is photo-conjunctivitis, said Dr. Borja Salvador, consultant ophthalmologist, at Barraquer Eye Hospital in Dubai.

“Long-term exposure to UV light has also been related to other diseases of the eyes, such as pterygium, which is called surfer’s disease, some types of eye or eyelid cancers, and even cataracts. Thus, it is very important to protect the eyes with certified UV sunglasses, hats, visors, or caps, and to avoid