Many people know that exposure to the sun, especially at the height of summer, can damage their skin. But they don't realise that extended exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can also increase the risk of developing eye problems.

Milind Pande consultant surgeon at Vision Surgery & Research Centre in East Yorkshire is a leading UK cataract specialist and Immediate Past President of UK cataract society. Mr Pande said: "Studies have shown that the effects of UV radiation are cumulative and may increase the chance of developing eye problems, including cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), two leading causes of reduced vision in people over the age of 55. Many people are unaware of these risks and are not taking enough preventative measures to protect their eyes."

"Ultraviolet radiation can play a contributory role in the development of various eye-related disorders including age-related cataract, pterygium, cancer of the skin around the eye, photokeratitis and corneal degenerative changes, and may contribute to age-related macular degeneration. This is why we should take such care with our eyes in the sun."

Photokeratitis is essentially reversible sunburn of the cornea resulting from excessive UV-B exposure. It occurs when someone spends long hours on the beach or snow without eye protection. It can be extremely painful for 1-2 days and can result in temporary loss of vision. There is some indication that long-term exposure to UV-B can result in corneal degenerative changes.

Pterygium is a growth of tissue on the white of the eye that may extend onto the clear cornea where it can distort the cornea and interfere with vision. Pterygium can become irritating and uncomfortable when inflamed. It is seen most commonly in people who work outdoors in the sun and wind, and its prevalence is related to the amount of UV exposure. Pterygium affects young people in their 20s and 30s. And while it can be removed surgically, it often recurs, and can cause cosmetic concerns and visual loss even if untreated.

Cataracts are a major cause of visual impairment and blindness worldwide. Cataracts are a cloudiness of the lens inside the eye, which occurs over a period of many years. Studies have implicated UV radiation as a causal factor for cataract. Furthermore, epidemiological studies have shown that certain types of cataract are associated with a history of higher exposure to UV and especially UV-B radiation.

Age-related macular degeneration is a significant cause of reduced vision for people over age 55. In the UK over 600,000 people suffer from AMD and cases of the disease are expected to increase by a quarter in the next 10 years. Exposure to UV and intense violet/blue visible radiation is damaging to retinal tissue in laboratory experiments, thus scientists have speculated that chronic UV or intense violet/blue light exposure may contribute to aging processes in the retina.

Pinguecula is a raised, yellowy-white fibrous growth on the white of the eye near the cornea. It most often appears on the side of the eye closest to the nose. The change in the eyes is due to an accumulation of protein, lipid and/or calcium. Ultraviolet (UV) light is considered to be a risk factor in its development and early signs are seen as early as pre-teens using special UV fluorescent photography.  It is more commonly seen in areas and with activities that lead to high UV exposure levels. Other causes include dry eye and environmental elements such as wind and dust. UV protection, such as wrap-around UV-blocking sunglasses, can help prevent further deterioration.

Skin Cancer is known to affect the eyelids and facial skin following excessive UV exposure.

So it makes sense to sport those shades and minimise the risks of any of the above sunlight related eye problems.