There has been discussion about whether sun exposure can
be a risk factor for developing AMD-a common senior eye problem. We know that
excess exposure to sunlight can cause many untoward effects on the delicate
tissues of the eye and the surrounding facial skin. Sun exposure is a known
cataract risk factor, too much UV exposure can cause a “cornea sunburn” or
“solar keratitis” and even damage the retina by causing a “solar retinitis”.
Researchers reporting in the journal Retina evaluated the effects of current and past sunlight exposure
and iris color on early and late Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Their
conclusions were that sunlight exposure
during working life is an important risk factor for AMD, whereas sunlight
exposure after retirement seems to have less influence on the disease
development. Therefore, preventive measures, for example, wearing sunglasses to
minimize sunlight exposure, should start early to prevent development of AMD
later in life.
If you are concerned about senior eye
health and specifically your risk of AMD please consider wearing sunglasses to
limit your exposure to sunlight beginning EARLY in life to preserve your eye
health and vision.
If you
have not had a recent eye exam please call Alabama Eye & Cataract
Center in Birmingham at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center, Google+ or www.facebook.com/alabamaeyeandcataractcenter.
Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract
Center are leading eye care centers in Birmingham located at UAB-Highlands,
1201 11th Avenue S, Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35205 and staffed by UAB
Medicine eye doctors and eye specialists.
