With Spring and Summer Coming, it's Time for UV Protection for your Eyes

With spring around the corner and summer creeping up on us with the great sunny weather we have been having, it is time to start thinking about UV protection. You’re probably thinking about slathering some sun block with UVA/UVB protection on your skin right? I would too, but my staff and I, here at Clear Focus Optometry in San Marcos, know that your eyes also need protection just as much as your skin.

The human eye is very sensitive to UV light rays. Have you ever noticed that if it is really bright outside, that your eyes start to hurt, things become blurry, or your eyes dry up fast? This is because with even a little bit of exposure to UV rays, your eyes can be heavily affected. Conditions like photokeratitis (inflammation of the cornea) and conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva, or the membrane that covers the white part of the eyeball) can cause these symptoms. Other kinds of damage like pterygium (tissue growth that can block vision), skin cancer around the eyes, and degeneration of the macula (area of the retina that helps you focus on objects) can also be attributed to UV radiation exposure.

Today, a major eye issue affecting millions of Americans is cataracts, a clouding in the lens of the eye. Research has shown that UV radiation increases your chance for cataracts. If cataracts aren’t treated, it can lead to blindness. Although cataracts are curable with today’s modern eye surgery, it can be prevented with the use of proper eye protection.

All of these problems can be lessened and/or prevented with the use of sunglasses, lenses, and contacts with UV protection. Every time you are out in the sun, UV protection is important. I know I like to wear sunglasses while driving during the day as well as at the beach. Not only does is prevent my eyes from squinting in the sun (squinting can cause wrinkles = bad), it also makes my eyes not as tired. Some tips for UV protection eyewear are:

• Look for sunglasses that offer UVA and UVB Protection
• Consider investing in Transitions lenses for your optical
  frames –They become darker or lighter in response to UV light present
• Buy contact lenses with UV protection – Contacts like Acuve
  Oasys with Hydraclear Plus block at least 96% if UVA rays and 100% of UVB rays

Info for this post was found on the United States Environmental Agency (www.epa.gov) and the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (www.ccohs.ca)