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who work outdoors for prolonged periods without proper eye protection. Left untreated, severe cases may require surgical removal. Photokeratitis (Sunburn of the Eye) Often compared to snow blindness, photokeratitis occurs when the cornea is exposed to excessive UV rays. Symptoms include redness, irritation, pain, and temporary vision loss. Although the condition is temporary, repeated occurrences can lead to long-term damage Macular Degeneration Age- related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive disease that causes loss of central vision. While genetics and ageing play significant roles, UV exposure is a known contributing factor. AMD can make daily activities such as reading and driving increasingly difficult over time. THE ROLE OF UV-BLOCKING EYEWEAR To safeguard vision, opticians should emphasise the importance of UV protection in eyewear. When recommending eyewear, key features to highlight include: UV400 Protection Lenses: Labelled as UV400 block PREMIUM OPTICAL LENSES NOW FEATURE COATINGS THAT BLOCK BOTH BLUE LIGHT AND UV RADIATION... myth is that only dark- tinted sunglasses offer UV protection. However, the effectiveness of UV protection depends on the lens material and coatings rather than the darkness of the tint. Early-Onset Eye Conditions: Ophthalmologists are reporting a rise in cataract cases among younger individuals, which can be attributed to excessive UV exposure without adequate protection. Understanding these risks allows opticians to better educate customers and recommend effective protective eyewear suited to various conditions. EFFECTS OF UV RADIATION ON THE EYES Prolonged exposure to UV radiation is linked to several serious ocular conditions. Some of the most common include: Cataracts Cataracts are one of the leading causes of blindness. They occur when the eye's natural lens becomes cloudy, resulting in blurred vision and, eventually, vision loss. UV exposure accelerates the clouding process, making early prevention crucial. Wearing UV-blocking eyewear from a young age can delay cataract formation and preserve eye health. Pterygium (Surfer’s Eye) Pterygium is a non- cancerous growth on the conjunctiva that can extend to the cornea, causing discomfort and vision obstruction. It is most common among individuals 32 VISION PLUS ARABIA EDITION