The progression of cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, is influenced by various factors, with sun exposure playing a significant role. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can accelerate cataract development. UVista can protect the ocular surface of the eyes from UV rays, potentially slowing down or stopping the progression of cataracts.
What are Cataracts?
Cataracts are a common eye condition characterized by clouding the eye’s natural lens, which sits behind the iris and pupil. This clouding can lead to blurred vision, diminished color perception, and increased sensitivity to glare. Cataracts typically develop slowly and are often associated with aging. While age-related changes are the most common cause, factors like genetics, diabetes, smoking, and excessive UV exposure can also contribute to their formation.
Symptoms of Cataracts:
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Diminished night vision
- Increased sensitivity to glare
- Fading of colors
- Double vision in one eye
- Frequent changes in prescription glasses
- Difficulty seeing in bright light
- Halos around lights
- Poor vision that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses
How Sun Exposure Speeds Up Cataract Progression
Sun exposure, particularly to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, accelerates cataract progression by inducing oxidative stress in the eye’s lens. UV rays generate harmful free radicals within the lens tissue, damaging proteins and cells. This oxidative damage accumulates over time, leading to the clouding and opacification characteristic of cataracts. Prolonged and unprotected UV exposure increases the risk of this oxidative stress, and this is where UVista can intervene to stop the progression by protecting the eyes from UV rays.
Other Risk Factors:
- Aging (most common)
- Family history of cataracts
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Previous eye injury or surgery
- Exposure to ionizing radiation
- Use of corticosteroid medications
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Poor nutrition and dietary choices
