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 Center for Sight – 508-730-2020 to schedule an appointment.
Center for Sight is located in the Narragansett Mill at 1565 North
Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, MA, and is conveniently located for
patients throughout the South Coast of Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
