I never wear sunglasses. Why don't I have any symptoms?
The effects of UV radiation on the cornea are usually not immediately noticeable. You only face the consequences at a later age. To keep seeing well for as long as possible, it is important to take good care of your eyes from a young age. For example, by wearing good sunglasses. With snow blindness, your cornea becomes inflamed and you will notice the effects of UV radiation within a few hours.
Do I also need to wear sunglasses in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands, UV radiation is lower than around the equator. On holiday in Southern Europe, for example, the radiation is higher than in our own country. However, UV radiation can still reach high levels here as well. At the very least, wear sunglasses in the summer between 12 PM and 3 PM. UV radiation reflects off sand, water and snow, and the intensity is higher at high altitudes. Extra caution is therefore advised at the beach, on the water and in the mountains (especially in the snow).
When is UV radiation at its highest?
UV radiation is highest in the summer months, between 12 pm and 3 pm. UV radiation increases as the sun sits higher in the sky. Because of this, radiation levels vary by season and time of day. UV radiation is at its peak in the summer, between 12 pm and 3 pm. Temperature has no influence. However, the amount of moisture, clouds, and dust in the air do have an effect. Just like the amount of ozone. The ozone layer protects against UV. On the KNMI website, you can check the predicted sun strength per day.
Why do children's eyes need extra protection against UV radiation?
Children are more vulnerable to bright light and UV radiation. Their pupils are larger and their eye lenses contain less protective pigment than those of adults. Without proper protection, too much sunlight can even lead to permanent damage to the eyes. A good pair of sunglasses is therefore very important, especially for children. The younger the child, the more vulnerable the eyes. It is particularly important to be careful with babies. Their faces should remain in the shade at all times, and it is advised to protect their eyes with good sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
Eye damage due to excessive UV radiation
Do you regularly suffer from dry, itchy, or watery eyes? There is a good chance that too much UV radiation is the culprit. To prevent permanent eye damage, it is important to be alert to your symptoms.
Want to know more? You can read about it in this article, where Oogwereld's optometrist Timo Zweers explains how to prevent eye damage from UV radiation.
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