As May marks Ultraviolet
(UV) Eye Protection Awareness Month, we wanted to comment on UV protective
eyewear and precautions people should take-especially those who have had LASIK
or cataract surgery. It is
pretty easy for LASIK and cataract surgery patients to simply forget about
eyewear of any type-even UV protective eyewear. The great majority of patients
having LASIK or cataract surgery with advanced lens implants no longer have to
think about wearing eyeglasses too much after their eye surgery-thus they often
neglect taking the proper precautions and using UV protecting eyewear. Some
information and facts everyone should know:
Exposure
to UV has been linked to many eye problems and in some instances is thought to
quicken the onset of eye diseases such as Cataract, Age Related Macular
Degeneration (AMD), certain cancers on the delicate skin around the eye,
Pterygia-a growth of white tissue on the surface of the eye-and even
Photokeratitis, a type of sunburn of the cornea. The effects of UV exposure are
cumulative and often don’t become noticeable to patients for many years.
Tips for UV Eye Protection
- Always wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Sunglasses without UV protection may shade the eyes but actually cause the pupils to dilate, allowing in even more harmful rays.
- Wear a brimmed hat along with sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
- Choose wrap-around sunglasses to protect the eyes and the skin around the eyes.
- Be aware that although some contact lenses may offer UV protection, they cannot protect the entire eye and the skin around it.
- Choose sunglasses made of unbreakable polycarbonate, especially for children and for those who lead active lifestyles.
- Be sure to ask your doctor about the photosensitizing side effects of any medications that you might take.
- Always wear eye protection when using a tanning bed. According the American Academy of Ophthalmology, tanning beds can produce UV levels up to 100 times more than the sun, which can cause serious damage to the external and internal structures of the eye and eyelids.
Patients visiting Doctor &
Associates can speak with the Opticians at Eyewear at Willows who will be able
to provide the proper counseling and fitting of UV protecting lenses and
eyewear. These eye care professionals can offer a wide variety of UV blocking
lenses, coatings and color changing lenses to keep you safe.
To learn more of visit, please call Doctor & Associates-203-227-4113, visit Doctor & Associates or
facebook.com/doctorandassociates.
Doctor & Associates offices
are located at 129 Kings Highway North, Westport, Connecticut 06880, 195
Danbury Road, Wilton, Connecticut 06897 and 148 East Avenue, Norwalk,
Connecticut 06851.
