Protecting Your Eyes from the Sun

What is UV?

UV stands for ultraviolet radiation (rays). UV rays are an invisible form of radiation that causes sunburn. Besides sunburn, UV rays can also damage your eyes and hurt your vision. There is a strong possibility that UV-related eye disorders will increase over the next decade. This is due to the thinning of the ozone layer and the growing popularity of outdoor activities.

Are there different types of UV rays?

There are two types of UV rays: UV-A and UV-B.

UV-A
UV-A rays can hurt your central vision. It can damage the part of the retina at the back of your eye called the macula.

UV-B
The front part of your eye (the cornea and lens) absorbs most UV-B rays, but these rays may cause even more damage to your eyes than UV-A rays.

What eye problems can I get from UV rays?

UV radiation may cause several different types of eye problems including:

Macular degeneration

Cataracts

Pterygium (a growth on the white of the eye that can eventually block vision)

Skin cancer around the eyelids

Photokeratitis (corneal sunburn)

Am I at risk from UV rays?

Yes, everyone (including children) is at risk for eye damage from UV radiation that can lead to vision loss. Any factor that increases the amount of time you spend in the sun will increase your risk. People who work or play in the sun for long periods of time are at the greatest risk.

What is my best defense against UV Rays?

Both a wide-brimmed hat or cap and UV absorbing eyewear will reduce the amount of UV you are exposed to. Your wide-brimmed hat or cap will block roughly 50% of UV rays. It will also reduce the UV radiation that can enter the eyes from above or around glasses. UV-absorbing eyewear provides the greatest measure of UV protection.

All types of eyewear, including prescription and non-prescription glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, and lens implants, should absorb both UV-A and UV-B rays. Examine the labels carefully to make sure that the lenses absorb at least 99 to 100% of both types of rays. Avoid products with labels that do not state exactly how much UV the product blocks.
~ Prevent Blindness America ~

For more information, or to schedule an eye exam, contact:
Premier Eyecare of Edmond, Julie Moore, O.D.
405.513.8150
http://www.okpremiereyecare.com

UV Protection

Protecting Your Eyes from Solar Radiation

The sun supports all life on our planet, but its life-giving rays also pose dangers.

The sun’s primary danger is in the form of Ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation is a component of solar radiation, but it can also be given off by artificial sources like welding machines, tanning beds and lasers.

Most are aware of the harm UV radiation can do to the skin, but many may not realize that exposure to UV radiation can harm the eyes or that other components of solar radiation can also affect vision.

There are three types of UV radiation: UV-C is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not present any threat; UV-A and UV-B radiation can have adverse long- and short-term effects on the eyes and vision.

If your eyes are exposed to excessive amounts of UV radiation over a short period of time, you are likely to experience an effect called photokeratitis.

UV Radiation Checklist If you can answer “yes” to one or more of the following questions, you could be at higher risk for harm to the eyes from UV radiation: Do you spend a great deal of time outdoors? Do you spend time skiing, mountain climbing or at the beach? Do you use a sunlamp or tanning parlor? Do you live in the mountains or the United States Sunbelt? Are you a welder, medical technologist or do you work in the graphic arts or in the manufacture of electronic circuit boards? Do you take prescription or over-the-counter drugs that can increase your sensitivity to UV radiation (check with your optometrist, pharmacist, or physician)? Have you had cataract surgery in one or both eyes?

Like a “sunburn of the eye”, photokeratitis may be painful and include symptoms such as red eyes, a foreign body sensation or gritty feeling in the eyes, extreme sensitivity to light and excessive tearing. Fortunately, this is usually temporary and rarely causes permanent damage to the eyes.

Long-term exposure to UV radiation, however, can be more serious. Scientific studies and research have shown that exposure to small amounts of UV radiation over a period of many years increases the chance of developing a cataract and may cause damage to the retina, a nerve-rich lining of the eye that is used for seeing. Additionally, chronic exposure to shorter wavelength visible light (i.e. blue and violet light) may also be harmful to the retina.

The longer the eyes are exposed to solar radiation, the greater the risk of developing later in life such conditions as cataracts or macular degeneration. Since it is not clear how much exposure to solar radiation will cause damage, the AOA recommends wearing quality sunglasses that offer UV protection and wearing a hat or cap with a wide brim whenever you spend time outdoors. Also, certain contact lenses can provide additional UV protection.

To provide adequate protection for your eyes, sunglasses should:

• block out 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation;
• screen out 75 to 90 percent of visible light;
• be perfectly matched in color and free of distortion and imperfection; and
• have lenses that are gray for proper color recognition.

The lenses in sunglasses should be made from polycarbonate or Trivex® material if you participate in potentially eye-hazardous work or sports. These lenses provide the most impact resistance.

If you spend a lot of time outdoors in bright sunlight, wrap around frames can provide additional protection from the harmful solar radiation.

Don’t forget protection for children and teenagers. They typically spend more time in the sun than adults.

Be sure to see your doctor of optometry at least every two years [recommended schedule of examinations] for a comprehensive eye examination. It is a good way to monitor your eye health, maintain good vision and keep track of your solar radiation protection needs as well as new advances in eye protection.  ~ American Optometric Association ~

For questions, or to schedule an appointment, contact:
Premier Eyecare, Julie Moore, O.D.
405.513.8150
http://www.okpremiereyecare.com

UV Protection

Protecting Your Eyes from Solar Radiation

The sun supports all life on our planet, but its life-giving rays also pose dangers.

The sun’s primary danger is in the form of Ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation is a component of solar radiation, but it can also be given off by artificial sources like welding machines, tanning beds and lasers.

Most are aware of the harm UV radiation can do to the skin, but many may not realize that exposure to UV radiation can harm the eyes or that other components of solar radiation can also affect vision.

There are three types of UV radiation: UV-C is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not present any threat; UV-A and UV-B radiation can have adverse long- and short-term effects on the eyes and vision.

If your eyes are exposed to excessive amounts of UV radiation over a short period of time, you are likely to experience an effect called photokeratitis.

UV Radiation Checklist If you can answer “yes” to one or more of the following questions, you could be at higher risk for harm to the eyes from UV radiation: Do you spend a great deal of time outdoors? Do you spend time skiing, mountain climbing or at the beach? Do you use a sunlamp or tanning parlor? Do you live in the mountains or the United States Sunbelt? Are you a welder, medical technologist or do you work in the graphic arts or in the manufacture of electronic circuit boards? Do you take prescription or over-the-counter drugs that can increase your sensitivity to UV radiation (check with your optometrist, pharmacist, or physician)? Have you had cataract surgery in one or both eyes?

Like a “sunburn of the eye”, photokeratitis may be painful and include symptoms such as red eyes, a foreign body sensation or gritty feeling in the eyes, extreme sensitivity to light and excessive tearing. Fortunately, this is usually temporary and rarely causes permanent damage to the eyes.

Long-term exposure to UV radiation, however, can be more serious. Scientific studies and research have shown that exposure to small amounts of UV radiation over a period of many years increases the chance of developing a cataract and may cause damage to the retina, a nerve-rich lining of the eye that is used for seeing. Additionally, chronic exposure to shorter wavelength visible light (i.e. blue and violet light) may also be harmful to the retina.

The longer the eyes are exposed to solar radiation, the greater the risk of developing later in life such conditions as cataracts or macular degeneration. Since it is not clear how much exposure to solar radiation will cause damage, the AOA recommends wearing quality sunglasses that offer UV protection and wearing a hat or cap with a wide brim whenever you spend time outdoors. Also, certain contact lenses can provide additional UV protection.

To provide adequate protection for your eyes, sunglasses should:

• block out 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation;
• screen out 75 to 90 percent of visible light;
• be perfectly matched in color and free of distortion and imperfection; and
• have lenses that are gray for proper color recognition.

The lenses in sunglasses should be made from polycarbonate or Trivex® material if you participate in potentially eye-hazardous work or sports. These lenses provide the most impact resistance.

If you spend a lot of time outdoors in bright sunlight, wrap around frames can provide additional protection from the harmful solar radiation.

Don’t forget protection for children and teenagers. They typically spend more time in the sun than adults.

Be sure to see your doctor of optometry at least every two years for a comprehensive eye examination. It is a good way to monitor your eye health, maintain good vision and keep track of your solar radiation protection needs as well as new advances in eye protection.

For questions, or to schedule your comprehensive eye exam, contact:
Premier Eyecare of Edmond, Julie Moore, O.D., 405.513.8150
http://www.okpremiereyecare.com