Understanding the impact of ozone depletion on our vision can enable us to be prepared and take precautionary measures to safeguard ourselves and reduce its overall impact. Our eyes are delicate and are most affected due to increase in pollution, ozone depletion and environmental changes. Taking some suitable steps can enable one to reduce the effects of ozone depletion on our vision and safeguard it effectively. Atmospheric emissions can deplete one of the most significant layers of our earth and may lead to ozone depletion. The UV rays from the Sun are dangerous for the human eyes as well as the body. It can lead to issues like skin cancer, sunburn, and tanning, and the ozone layer provides us with a protective shield. The stratosphere’s ozone layer protects Earth and serves as a direct barrier and is essential for absorbing the sun’s damaging UV radiation.
In this blog, we have elaborately covered the causes and effects of ozone depletion on vision and steps one must take to reduce its impact.
Causes of Ozone Depletion
Increased human activities have gradually led to causing harm to the environment recently. Various ozone depletion causes have significant effects on human lives every now and then. Some of them have been discussed below.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
These molecules are generally released by air conditioners, refrigerators, and spray aerosols and are considered the main cause of ozone depletion. The UV radiations stimulate the release of chlorine from CFC which then reacts with ozone and destroys it.
Unregulated Rocket Launches
When rocket launches are not managed as per the regulations laid, it leads to causing more damage to the ozone layer than any other elements.
Nitrogen Compounds
The causes and effects of ozone depletion at present are an indication of how intense human activities are. Several nitrogen compounds like NO, NO2, or N2O lead to ozone depletion.
Ozone Layer Depletion and its Effects on Vision
Our eyes are sensitive and ozone depletion might impact our eyes. The causes and effects of ozone depletion need to be studied in detail to ensure that preventive measures are well-defined. Following are some of the ozone depletion effects:
- Cataracts: Depletion of ozone causes Ultraviolet Rays from the sun – both UV-A and UV-B ones to reach Earth. Excessive exposure to UV rays can increase the rate of degeneration of proteins in the lens of our eyes. This spike in protein degradation leads to protein coagulation, causing health issues like cataracts. These clustered proteins can obstruct the passage of light passing through the lens, impairing vision. So, ozone depletion can actually lead to an increased risk of developing cataracts among people.
- Macular Degeneration: UV radiation can also contribute to the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss in adults. Looking at eye anatomy, the centre of the retina has a structure called the macula which facilitates clear vision. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation increases the degenerative process and increases the risk of AMD. Thus, it is the need of an hour to find the most suitable and practical ozone depletion solution.
- Photokeratitis: This is also referred to as sunburn of the eye and is a painful condition caused by overexposure to UV radiation. Some of the common symptoms of Photokeratitis are redness of the eyes, grittiness, sensation in the eyes, tearing etc. Photokeratitis may lead to long-term, severe damage to the cornea and the ocular structures. It is imperative to take note of the symptoms and seek medical aid on time to avoid further damage.
- Skin Cancer of the Eyelids: UV radiation exposure and ozone layer depletion and its effects can also increase the risk of skin cancer on the eyelids, particularly basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The delicate skin around the eyes is especially vulnerable to UV damage, emphasising the importance of wearing UV-blocking sunglasses and hats with brims to provide additional protection.
Protecting Your Vision
The causes and effects of ozone depletion pose many significant challenges to eye health, it is important to take some steps from time to time to minimise its risks and protect the vision. Here are some preventive measures:
- Wear UV-Protective Eyewear: Sunglasses act as a shield and protect your eyes from the harmful radiation of the sun. Thus, investing in sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection from the sun is important. Check the label on sunglasses and look for the one with UV 400 or 100% UV when purchasing a pair of sunglasses. Though it is not a direct ozone depletion solution, it serves as a preventive measure to protect the eyes.
- Use Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: Look out for a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection. Check whether the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB radiation. Before you go out in the sun, apply sunscreen evenly on your face and the delicate skin around your eyes. Make sure you purchase a branded and good quality sunscreen to avoid ozone depletion effects on your skin. Check the review and opt for a gel-based sunscreen for better absorption.
- Opt for Physical Protection: In addition to applying sunscreen, physical protection is also a must. Carry an umbrella when outside, especially in peak UV hours, that is, 10 AM to 4 PM. Also, you may carry a scarf or suncoat to protect your face and body.
- Wear Wide-Brimmed Hats: Choose brimmed hats with brim widths proportionate to your face. Typically, a 7.5 cm wide-brimmed hat does an excellent job of shading most of the facial areas. Fashionable wide-brimmed hats paired with sunglasses are an excellent way to safeguard your eyes from UV rays.
- Regular Eye Testing: Eye problems typically develop slowly and affect our eyes gradually. Regular eye examination by trained ophthalmologists can help detect any eye problems right during the initial stages and necessary action could be taken.
Conclusion
When it comes to protecting your eyes health and the environment, the ozone layer plays a very significant role. Ozone layer depletion is detrimental to human health affecting various body parts like skin, eyes, and DNA molecules in humans. Collective actions in controlling the emission of ozone-depleting gases, and reducing the use of CFCs and controlling pollution would lead to preserving the ozone layer for future generations.
However, since the thickness of the ozone layer has been depleted to a certain extent, individualistic measures like protecting eyes and skin through the use of eyewear and hats are also necessary to protect oneself from harmful UV rays.
