People enjoy blooming cherry blossoms along Yunjung-ro in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul, Monday. Yonhap As cherry blossom season invites more people outdoors, experts are urging the public to prioritize eye protection, warning that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage not only the skin but also the eyes. While many are familiar with using sunscreen to guard against UV rays, far fewer take steps to protect their vision. UV exposure can lead to cataracts and potentially cause macular degeneration — conditions that can permanently impair vision. Doctors recommend avoiding outdoor activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. when UV rays are strongest. If heading outside, people should wear sunglasses with UV protection or wide-brimmed hats to shield their eyes. According to the National Health Insurance Service’s 2023 surgical statistics report released on April 7, cataract surgery was the most common operation in South Korea, with 638,000 procedures performed — over three times more than general spinal surgeries, which ranked second. Cataracts occur when the eye’s lens — normally clear like a camera lens — becomes cloudy, causing blurred or hazy vision. While aging is the leading cause, UV exposure, injuries and inflammation can also contribute. The World Health Organization estimates that UV rays are linked to one in five cataract cases worldwide. Persistent UV exposure can accelerate the deterioration of proteins in the lens, increasing the risk of cataracts. Choi Kwang-eon, an ophthalmology professor at Korea University Guro Hospital, said, “As cataracts progress, people may experience clouded vision, sensitivity to bright light and glare. In some cases, one object may appear as two. If left untreated, vision can worsen significantly.” Although progression varies by individual, cataracts do not heal naturally. Severe cases require surgical removal of the lens and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens. Even after surgery, patients must remain vigilant. Dislocation of the implanted lens can occur, particularly among elderly patients or those with high myopia or pre-existing retinal diseases. Frequent eye rubbing can also weaken the structures supporting the artificial lens, causing it to shift or dislocate. If the dislocation is complete, vision may rapidly deteriorate. Partial dislocation can cause double vision, blurriness, or light distortion — similar to cataract symptoms. Lee Ji-hyun, a retina specialist at Kim’s Eye Hospital, said, “Even if no symptoms appear after cataract surgery, regular eye check-ups are essential to ensure the artificial lens remains in place and undamaged.” Macular degeneration, another vision-threatening condition, can also be triggered by UV exposure. The disease involves damage to the macula — the central part of the retina — leading to distorted or blurry vision. It is a major cause of blindness in people over 65 and is associated with aging, genetics, smoking, obesity, and environmental factors like UV rays. “UV rays damage retinal cells and accelerate macular degeneration,” Choi said. “People who spend extended time under strong sunlight must use proper eye protection.” Early symptoms are often subtle, making detection difficult. He advised that if straight lines appear distorted or if there's an abnormality in the center of vision when one eye is covered, an eye exam should be scheduled immediately. Children are especially vulnerable to UV damage, as their clearer lenses absorb more rays. This raises the risk of retinal injury. On sunny days, children should wear hats or sunglasses with UV protection. However, not all sunglasses are created equal. Sunglasses without UV-blocking features can be more harmful than wearing none at all, as darker lenses cause pupils to dilate, allowing more UV rays to enter. “Choose sunglasses labeled with ‘UV protection 99 to 100 percent’ or ‘UV400,’” Choi said. UV400-rated sunglasses can block UV rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers, including both UVA and UVB rays — the two forms that reach the earth’s surface. Lens tint should be light enough to let the eyes remain visible. Experts also warn that UV levels may be stronger on cloudy days due to scattering and reflection, so protection is still necessary. This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.
