Ozone Layer and Cataract

Without the Ozone layer in the atmosphere, life on Earth would be very difficult. Plants cannot live and grow in heavy ultraviolet radiation, but more UV means more adverse human health effects, like skin cancer and cataract.

An Ozone layer and Cataract prevention


Ozone is constituted of three atom of oxygen combined which is formed in upper part of the Earth's atmosphere in small amounts where it forms a layer. This layer is vital to human well-being and ecosystem health as it absorbs a large part of the Sun's biologically harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that normally affects vision. Cataract, the most common cause of blindness and visual impairment, is often related to ageing.

- How can we preserve the ozone layer?

1.Avoid the consumption of gases dangerous to the ozone layer, due to their content or manufacturing process. Some of the most dangerous gases are CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), halogenated hydrocarbon, methyl bromide and nitrous oxide.

2.Minimize the use of cars. The best transport option is urban, bicycle, or walking. If you use a car to a destination, try to carpool with others to decrease the use of cars in order to pollute less and save.

3.Do not use cleaning products that are harmful to the environment and to us. Many cleaning products contain solvents and substances corrosive, but you can replace these dangerous substances with non-toxic products such as vinegar or bicarbonate.

Ozone is a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms and it is present in a gaseous form in the atmosphere, specifically located in and extended throughout the stratosphere.

The ozone layer is a thin part of the Earth's atmosphere that absorbs almost all of the sun's harmful ultraviolet light. "Ozone holes" are popular names for areas of damage to the ozone layer. This is inaccurate. Ozone layer damage is more like a really thin patch than a hole. A hole that allows the entry of large amounts of ultraviolent light and it is located at the poles, on the Antarctic continent and the Arctic Ocean, being especially large during the spring of both hemispheres and resulting in longer summer seasons.

- Cataracts and how the ozone layer affectes your eyes (cataracts)

As the ozone layer gets thinner, UV-B radiation at the surface of the Earth increases. Cataracts and blindness are among the most common eye diseases associated with further ozone layer depletion and increased UV-B at the Earth's surface.

Ozone’s unique physical properties allow the ozone layer to act as our planet’s sunscreen, providing an in visible filter to help protect all life forms from the Sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Cataracts and blindness are among the most common eye diseases associated with further ozone layer depletion and increased UV-B at the Earth's surface.

1.Protect those eyes from the sun! A 2014 John Hopkins study verified that years of chronic sunlight exposure could increase your risk of cataracts. Make sure you wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection when outside for extended periods.

2.Keep your diabetes under control. Data suggests that those with diabetes are at greater risk for developing cataracts. That is why maintaining healthy blood sugar is so important—for both your overall health and the health of your vision.

3.See your eye doctor regularly. Even if your vision is clear and healthy, make it a priority to schedule yearly eye exams. Routine visits allow your eye care professional to look for signs of cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other vision disorders. Early detection may actually save your sight!

Ozone is only a trace gas in the atmosphere, only about 3 molecules for every 10 million molecules of air. But it does a very important job. Like a sponge, the ozone layer absorbs bits of radiation hitting Earth from the sun, more UV means more adverse human health effects, like skin cancer and cataract. Most cataracts develop when aging or injury changes the tissue that makes up your eye's lens. Some inherited genetic disorders that cause other health problems can increase your risk of cataracts. Cataracts can also be caused by other eye conditions, past eye surgery or medical conditions such as diabetes.