In the last few years people have become much more aware that ultraviolet light from the sun can cause injury to the skin. Less well known is that those same ultraviolet rays can cause eye problems. Since ultraviolet rays are invisible, we aren't aware of them and are unable to judge their intensity. Nonetheless, a lifetime of exposure to sunlight can cause conjunctival, corneal, lens, and retinal damage. Infants and young children, with their more translucent cornea and lens, are particularly susceptible to ultraviolet damage.
Ultraviolet radiation is also greater at high altitudes and closer to the equator.
Snow, sand and open water all readily reflect these rays, as do the glass and concrete on buildings. This can result in increased exposure of the eyes and face, causing damage in less time. Artificial sources, such as welding arcs and sunlamps, have caused damage to the eyes and skin. Over a lifetime of exposure, ultraviolet rays can cause diseases ranging from cataracts to cancer. Although these effects are cumulative, they can be reduced by avoiding UV exposure.