The cornea is the clear outer layer of the eye that helps to focus light on the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye that converts light into electrical signals that are sent to the brain.
When you look at the sun, the sun's rays pass through the cornea and focus on the retina. The intense light can cause the retina to burn and scar, which can lead to permanent vision loss.
Looking through a lens at the sun can be even more dangerous than looking directly at the sun, because the lens can magnify the sun's rays and cause even more damage to your eyes.
Symptoms of sun damage to the eyes can include:
- Pain
- Blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Floaters (dark spots that appear in your vision)
- Loss of vision
If you experience any of these symptoms, see an eye doctor immediately.
To protect your eyes from the sun, you should:
- Wear sunglasses that block out UV rays
- Avoid looking directly at the sun
- Do not look through a lens at the sun
- Wear a hat with a brim that shades your eyes
By following these tips, you can help protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays and reduce your risk of permanent vision loss.
