Ultraviolet rays could trigger eye diseases

Ultraviolet rays, abundant in the sunlight, could prompt aging of the eyes, B&VIT Eye Center said Monday.

“When the eyes receive ongoing exposure to ultraviolet rays, a variety of diseases could result including corneal burns, macular degeneration and cataract,” Kim Jin-kook, chief of the clinic, said.

“These diseases are normally regarded as senile disorders but excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays could prompt the prevalence in much earlier stage. In case of macular degeneration, people working under the sun have up to three times the risk of prevalence that those working indoors.”

Kim advised people to not look at the sun directly and wear sunglasses to block sunrays from affecting the eyes. “Be sure to wear UV-protected (lenses). “Brown, grey or green lenses are better than red, blue or pink,” Kim said.

(baejisook@heraldcorp.com)