Birmingham Ophthalmologist Marc
Michelson, M.D. commented on the need to us proper UV eye protection to prevent
damage from the intense sunlight we experience this time of year. “May
marks Ultraviolet (UV) Eye Protection Awareness Month and is a good time
to remind our community of the need to wear UV protective eyewear and
sunglasses as well as how to avoid UV eye damage by taking some simple
precautions,” commented Dr. Michelson.
It is easy to forget the damage that UV from sunlight can cause to one’s eyes. Unlike the damage that can be caused to your skin which shows up as a sunburn, wrinkles and/or sun spots, UV eye injury can happen over a long period of time and can cause significant damage to eye health and vision. What kind of damage occurs? Without protection, exposure to UV has been linked to many eye problems. In some cases, it is thought to speed up such 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. “One of the most concerning aspects of UV eye damage and injury is that it is cumulative and often doesn’t become noticeable to patients for many years,” noted Dr. Michelson.
Some precautions regarding UV eye protection include:
It is easy to forget the damage that UV from sunlight can cause to one’s eyes. Unlike the damage that can be caused to your skin which shows up as a sunburn, wrinkles and/or sun spots, UV eye injury can happen over a long period of time and can cause significant damage to eye health and vision. What kind of damage occurs? Without protection, exposure to UV has been linked to many eye problems. In some cases, it is thought to speed up such 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. “One of the most concerning aspects of UV eye damage and injury is that it is cumulative and often doesn’t become noticeable to patients for many years,” noted Dr. Michelson.
Some precautions regarding UV eye protection include:
·
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.
In our optical shop, we
have a wide range of sunglasses with UV protection lenses for your selection.
Effective UV protection should block out about 99-100 percent of both UV-A and
UV-B radiation and it doesn’t have to be expensive. In addition, your everyday
eyewear should have UV protection as well. Our optical shop uses a number of UV
blocking eyeglass lens materials, photochromic lenses and specialized coatings.
Patients visiting Alabama Eye & Cataract Center can speak with our
staff who will be able to provide the proper counseling and fitting of UV
protecting lenses and eyewear. Our eye care professionals can offer a wide
variety of UV blocking lenses, coatings and color changing lenses to keep you
safe.
If you or someone you know has a question or concerns about ultraviolet (UV) eye damage and injury and how to select protective eyewear please feel free to call Alabama Eye & Cataract Center at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center or www.facebook.com/michelsonlaservision.
If you or someone you know has a question or concerns about ultraviolet (UV) eye damage and injury and how to select protective eyewear please feel free to call Alabama Eye & Cataract Center at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center or www.facebook.com/michelsonlaservision.
Michelson Laser Vision is a leading Birmingham eye care practice with offices located with Alabama Eye & Cataract Center, at the UAB Highlands, 1201 11th Avenue S., Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35205.
