With the hot summer days underway let’s take a look at the effects of the sun and how it can impact you in the long run. One study shows that the more prolonged sun exposure the higher the risk of cataracts. This sheds some light on a medical issue that has plagued millions.

The oxidative stress is a harmful chemical reaction that occurs when our cells consume oxygen to create energy. This is a natural phenomenon which occurs as you age; however it can create cataracts on your lenses.

Your lens cells are made up of mostly water and proteins without organelles which are found in other cells. This unique composition enables your lenses to transmit light and enables you to see. When cataracts form the proteins inside your lens show the oxidative damage. The proteins will clump together and scatter light instead of sharpening it. This creates a blurred image.

The kink in this theory has recently been debunked when researchers examined the older cells that lacked oxygen. Therefore, how could they be oxidative? Well, interestingly enough this particular study shows that UV light can damage lens proteins, acting as oxygen does and creating the oxidative damage.

These UV rays damage the lens proteins and create oxidative stress, basically triggering harmful oxidative reactions in the lens.

UV rays have been suspected of impacting this degeneration, but until very recently was unproven. There is no definitive correlation between UVA or UVB rays, but one thing is for sure, sunlight can definitely cause cataracts.

The moral of the story is, it is so important to protect your eyes. Using sunglasses that are polarized to deter the UV rays can save your vision from cataracts which in time can severely impact your ability to see clearly.

Sunglasses with UV protection will also protect the delicate skin around your eyes, they are not a substitution for sunscreen of course, but they can help lessen the risk of sun damage!