It is said that the eyes are the windows of the soul, but if this window is not properly glazed and fitted with a cornice, it will not be able to block the ultraviolet rays and cause sun damage to the components in the room. President Zhou Hongjian told reporters that the same is true for the eyes. If they are not properly protected from the sun, it can lead to damage and degeneration of the internal structure and cause various acute and chronic eye diseases, such as pterygium, cataract, retinal degeneration, and solar keratitis. Pterygium Pterygium is an abnormal growth of the conjunctiva of the eye, named because of its resemblance to an insect wing. Studies have shown that the onset of pterygium is associated with UV radiation, with a higher incidence in people near the earth’s equator and those who work outdoors (e.g., fishermen, farmers, etc.); the higher the latitude, the lower the incidence. Cataracts Long-term chronic UV radiation is thought to be an important cause of age-related cataract formation. Dr. Zhou said that the lens is the most important “defense wall” of the eye, filtering out about 95 percent of the ultraviolet rays, and the effect of ultraviolet rays on the lens is a long-term, chronic accumulation of oxidative damage. Although the defense system present in the clear lens is sufficiently protective, irreversible damage occurs when the cumulative effect exceeds a critical level. The effects of UV radiation on the lens are mainly photochemical damage effects that cause abnormalities in the metabolism of the redox system of the lens, thus triggering cataract formation. The high and young incidence of cataracts in highland areas is closely related to overexposure to UV light. Macular degeneration Age-related macular degeneration is a common blinding eye disease among the elderly in China, which can cause irreversible visual impairment and so far there is no effective prevention and treatment method worldwide. Its etiology is still unclear, but a large number of studies have shown that chronic light damage plays an important role. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet light, causing damage to the retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptor cells, and the death of the cells can lead to retinal degeneration. The macula, a 2 to 3 mm area in the center of the retina, is the most acute area of vision and will lead to irreversible vision loss if it is affected. Epidemiological surveys have shown that the incidence of age-related macular degeneration is reduced in regular sunglass wearers. Therefore, for the prevention of various eye diseases caused by ultraviolet radiation, the main focus at present is on protection. Wearing sunglasses when going out and myopic patients wearing nearsighted glasses can block most of the UV rays. But only glasses are not enough, side UV rays can still be irradiated from the edge of the frame to the inner canthus of the eye, especially prone to cause pterygium, so wear a wide brimmed hat or umbrella protection, is the appropriate complement to the point of the glasses sun protection is insufficient. In addition, the use of some antioxidant drugs, for the oxidation of various parts of the eye caused by UV radiation has a certain therapeutic effect, commonly used beta carotene, vitamin E, etc.; daily diet more intake of food rich in these nutrients, also good for the eyes.