Summer is coming, well-deserved vacation, summer joy, and sunbathing.
Above all of this are there any threats we should be aware of?
Sunlight is a source of energy we need for life. Light and sun were celebrated throughout history, whether it was under pagan festivals, or in the Old Testament at the very beginning.
Today we are well aware of the essential effect of sunlight and the mechanism of its action. Without light, there is no sight. We are as well well aware of the harmful effects of sunlight in the event of unnecessary exposure to its ray.
Sunlight is an electromagnetic wave/radiation. In addition to the white light, there is an ultraviolet spectrum (UV) that is invisible to our eyes but it is entering eyes
UV light can be beneficial with certain skin diseases, it helps create vitamin D, improves many mental states, while exposing laundry to sunlight as well as sunbathing terraces, rooms, kills many bacterias and viruses. Unfortunately, exposure to a bigger quantity and power of UV light can damage our cells.
One of the best-known effects of exposure to UV radiation is sunbathing when our skin darkens. This creates a protective pigment helping us against deeper penetration of UV light into the skin. Likewise when light enters the eye through the pupil, if it is too strong, we squint to protect ourselves. Accordingly, we wear sunglasses.
Prolonged and long-term exposure to UV light can lead to permanent damage to the retina and its finest part - the yellow spot (macula). Besides, it is one of the factors for cataract and external degeneration of the conjunctiva of the eye.
Summer - the sunniest part of the year comes with the strongest intensity of light. The phenomenon of light reflection on a water surface such as the sea and the seashore is known, meaning it is the case when exposure to UV rays is greatly increased. In the mountains, we are also more exposed to UV rays on sunny days and this exposure goes up significantly as altitude increases. In a time when we enjoy the joys of summer at sea or in lakes, our eyes are threatened by sunlight.
Therefore, it is necessary to protect eyes from UV light with sunglasses, also, while you are at the sea or in the mountains, it will not hurt to be cautious while protecting yourself with a scarf or a hat. Sunglasses should be of good quality, one with the so-called polarizing glass that does not obscure the view, which is important when driving also protects from UV rays.
Children's eyes are especially sensitive to UV rays because up to 6 years of age there is no special pigment lipofuscin in the lens of the eye, which is a natural filter for UV rays and to some extent protects the retina.
It should be paid attention by elders not to take children to play outdoors when the sun is strongest and not to go to the sea at that hour. A head cap is a must.
To prevent light exposure in the tourism era we emphasize the importance of sunglasses for kids.
Wearing quality sunglasses for the third, fourth-year-old or older kids is not a fashion trend, but a necessity.