Doctor & Associates wishes to announce that Prevent Blindness America has designated May as National Ultraviolet Eye Awareness Month. “Most people know the harmful effects that ultraviolet (UV) rays can have on the skin. But many are not aware of the damage that they can cause to the eyes. Possibly the most frightening aspect of UV damage is that it is cumulative, meaning the negative effects may not present themselves until years later”, commented Leslie Doctor, M.D. of Doctor & Associates on Fairfield County, Connecticut.
Today almost everyone is aware of the potential damage that sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause to their skin, most do not know or appreciate that ultraviolet light (UV) can also cause significant damage to eye health and vision.
“Most of us wouldn’t dream of staying outside in the sun without putting on sunscreen lotion,” said Dr. Leslie Doctor. “But we also need to remember to wear both UV-blocking sunglass lenses and eyewear and a brimmed hat to protect our eyes as well.”
Patients today are quite fortunate to have a wide range of UV protecting eyeglass lenses available to choose from. “High quality sunglasses should block out 99-100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation and even your everyday eyewear should have UV protection through the incorporation UV blocking eyeglass lens materials, specialized coatings and photochromic lenses”, relayed Dr. Doctor. “We know that extended exposure to UV has been linked to many eye problems and in some cases 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, and even photokeratitis, a type of sunburn of the cornea”, said Corneal Specialist Leslie Doctor, M.D.
When you visit Doctor & Associates, please feel free to ask any questions you might have about UV protection, eye disease and the best way to protect your eyes with the proper eyewear and lens choices. Please feel free to schedule an appointment Willows Opticians at Doctor & Associates to learn more about UV protection and eyewear by phoning 203-227-4113.
