Eye protection helps prevent ultraviolet ray damage

  • Published
  • By Maj. Sheri Webb
  • 23rd Medical Group
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  We all know the importance of using sunscreen to protect our skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays, but there also needs to be protection for our eyes as well.

Recent studies have shown that prolonged exposure to the sun's invisible, high energy ultraviolet rays without protection may contribute to the development of various eye disorders, such as age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss among older Americans, and cataracts, a major cause of visual impairment and blindness.

During the summer months, the level of ultraviolet radiation is three times greater than in the winter.

Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat are the best defense system for the eyes against sunlight and harmful UV rays. To be effective, both must be worn while outside during prolonged periods of time, even when it's overcast.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends purchasing sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays.

The color of the lens and the price of the frame should not be factors when choosing sunglasses. Also, the ability to block UV light is not dependent on the darkness of the lens.

Ultraviolet protection can come from adding chemicals to the lens material during manufacturing or from a chemical coating applied to the lens surface.

Many $10 sunglasses provide equal or greater protection as a $100 pair. With expensive sunglasses, you are paying for style, frame quality and options such as scratch-resistant coatings, and not necessarily protective UV ray blocking ability.

In addition to the damage caused by repeated sun exposure over time, you need to protect your eyes from acute damage that can be caused by a single day in the sun.

Excessive exposure to UV light reflected off of sand, snow or pavement can burn the eye's surface. Similar to sunburns, eye surface burns usually disappear within a couple of days, but may lead to further complications later in life.

For individuals who enjoy water activities, remember to remove contact lenses and wear swim goggles when swimming. Chlorine can irritate the eyes and make them red and puffy. Additionally, swimming pools, ponds and lakes contain bacteria that can get underneath contact lenses and cause infection and inflammation of the cornea.

Eye health care providers include opticians, optometrists and ophthalmologists. While optometrists diagnose and treat diseases of the eye, ophthalmologists treat disease and perform eye surgeries. Opticians make and dispense your eyeglasses.

Remember to keep your sight for life - protect your eyes when you step out into the sun and if you experience any vision problems, schedule an appointment as soon as possible with your eye doctor.