With
summer in full swing, the days are longer, the sun hotter, and the threat from
the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays, greater. Excess sun exposure can put you
at risk of serious short-term and long-term eye problems. This is true for
young and old, year-round.
Prevention is simple. Wear sunglasses that block ultraviolet radiation.
Keeping Your Eyes Safe from
the Sun
When
shopping for sunglasses always ask the optician, or look for a tag or label
that says 100% protection against both UVA and UVB or 100% protection against
UV 400. UV protection is the essential piece you need to look for in a pair of
sunglasses. Darkness and color do not
indicate the strength of UV protection, and neither does the price tag!
There is no doubt about the consequences of not protecting your eyes from the
sun’s harmful rays. If your eyes are exposed to strong sunlight for too long
without proper protection, UV rays can burn
the cornea-called photokeratitis- and cause temporary blindness in a
matter of hours. Long-term sun exposure is linked to more serious eye
disease, such as cataracts, certain types eyelid cancer and growths on or near the eye. A lifetime of exposure also
likely increases progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that can
cause blindness. In addition to wearing UV protecting sunglasses, also
consider wearing a hat with broad brim. They have been shown to significantly
cut exposure to harmful rays. Also, don’t forget the sunscreen!
If
you or someone you know wants to learn more about UV damage to the eye or
select and be fit with proper sunglasses, please call The Eye Care & Surgery Center at 908-789-8999, visit The Eye Care
& Surgery Center, Google+ or facebook.com/eyecareandsurgerycenter to schedule an
appointment.
The Eye Care & Surgery Center is located at 592 Springfield
Avenue, Westfield, New Jersey 07090, 10 Mountain Boulevard, Warren, New Jersey
07059 and 517 Route One South, Suite 1100, Iselin, New Jersey 08830, and is conveniently located for patients from throughout
central and northern New Jersey.
