As air temperatures rise, experts reiterate their warnings against the effects of sunlight. Dr. Faculty Member Semih Çakmak and Op. Dr. While giving information about the effects of the sun on the eyes, Serdar Marol drew attention to the importance of using sunglasses. Experts stated that pterygium, which is popularly known as eye flesh or bird wing, is associated with excessive sun exposure and warned citizens.
“EYE FISH IS MORE SEEN IN CASES OF HIGH SUN EXPOSURE”
Ophthalmologist Op. states that one should not look directly at the sun. Dr. Semih Çakmak said, “When we look directly at the light, the sun, sunlight and intense light come from the middle of our pupil to our eye veins. In this case, we see some irreversible problems that occur in the eye vessels, that is, the retina layer, after looking at the sun for a long time, which we also see during solar eclipses. The condition, which we call pterygium, is more common in cases of excessive sun exposure. We see the disease called pterygium, bird’s eye disease or eyelid disease more frequently in people who work under the sun. We definitely recommend sunglasses for those who have a disease or some eye sensitivities. We strongly recommend that everyone use sunglasses under the sun to avoid exposure to the intense ultraviolet rays of the sun. First of all, we definitely recommend sunglasses with ultraviolet protection and the most protective features. Especially for children with allergies, sunglasses may be considered at a younger age. “This might be my advice to families from here,” he said.
“THE SUN HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM IN OUR EYES”
Ophthalmologist Op. Dr. Serdar Marol said, “The sun can cause serious damage to every part of our body, both thermally and ultraviolet. One of its effects is that it causes the disease called pterygium or increases the existing one. Both the heat and the ultraviolet effects of the sun both accelerate the formation of cataracts in our eyes and can bring the age of cataracts to an earlier age. It has a macular burn effect that causes permanent problems, which we unfortunately see very often, especially during solar eclipse days. Patients who want to look directly at the solar eclipse may experience a burn in their vision. Unfortunately, although many other effects are reversible, this effect is not and can cause permanent damage. If a bird’s wing has formed in our eye, it can be restored with this surgery and cataracts can be corrected. Apart from these, the sun triggers our allergic reactions and makes it difficult for us to drive. That’s why the sun has the potential to cause serious problems for our eyes. The ultraviolet effect of the sun also occurs by reflection. Even if you do not look directly at the sun, even if it does not reach your eyes during the day, it has a direct effect on your eyes from reflective environments. If our eye color is lighter, our pupils are larger. As such, our exposure to the sun increases. “Similarly, if we have fair skin, we are more likely to feel the effect of the sun and the effect it has on our body,” he said.
“SUNGLASSES ARE NOT AN ACCESSORY, BUT A NECESSITY”
Saying that sunglasses are an important necessity for eye health, Op. Dr. Marol said, “The higher the ultraviolet blocking rate of a sunglass lens, the more easily it protects us from the harmful effects of the sun. Secondly, its structure and the shape of the frame must be such that it covers the edges above our eyebrows and prevents the sun from entering our eyes at the maximum level. Wearing sunglasses is a nice accessory, people generally perceive it that way, but especially in certain seasons, we must use sunglasses to protect ourselves from the sun. The important thing here is not the aesthetic part. Questions like these arise; ‘Does the darker the glass, the better it protects, or the lighter colored glass?’ Frankly, colors do not have a big impact on that issue. We definitely need to use sunglasses, especially in summer. Sunglasses are not an accessory, but a necessity as an ophthalmologist. Sun allergy can be the beginning of a very serious problem, especially in our children, that affects their future vision and eye health. Constantly rubbing or pressing the eyes of our children due to eye allergies triggers a disease called keratoconus, which leads to deformation and warping of the outer layer of our eye, the corneal layer, thinning of our cornea, and progressive vision loss. That’s why the most important thing we can tell parents is; Our children should also use sunglasses that suit them. If there is a spring allergy or sun allergy, we should never scratch our eyes. This is also true for adults, but the rate of causing this type of disease is much higher when it starts in childhood. We must prevent them from scratching their eyes and prevent their contact with the sun, dust and soil. “Keratoconus is an issue that I am very sensitive about, especially for children. Keratoconus is my area of special interest. I feel very sad when I see those children, this is a preventable situation,” he said. (IHA)