We have become accustomed to adding sunscreen in our daily routine, especially in the summer months. But did you know that protecting your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) radiation is just as important as lathering on the SPF sunblock to protect your skin?
Although you cannot see UV radiation, it is absorbed by the tissue of the eye and is cumulative over our lifetime and many age-related diseases may be caused by UV exposure. The following conditions are related to this: cataracts, macular degeneration, photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea), pingueculae (small yellowish bumps on the white of the eye), and pterygium (opaque growth over the surface of the cornea).
By visiting an optometrist, they can advise you on choosing the right eyewear protection to help prevent these eye diseases. Optometrist Dr. Jo-Anne Monteiro and Dr. Yaa Fordjour can provide you advice at your next check-up.
The Burlington, Ontario-based optometrist lets her clients know that prevention is most important and provides these tips to protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) radiation:
Wear sunglasses outside: Whether prescription or non-prescription, be sure to wear a pair of sunglasses that block 100% UVA and UVB. When purchasing tinted lenses, these do not necessarily block UV light so it is importance to choose a pair that provides 100% UV protection.
Prescription eye wear: There are several options when choosing the right prescription lens. These include permanently tinted sunglasses or photochromic lenses which become darker with increased UV intensity but offer UV protection even when you have clear, clip-on sunglasses that fit over your regular glasses.
Contact lenses: Make sure to inquire about getting contact lenses with UV protection
Wear a hat: In addition to UV blocking lenses, wearing a wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap also provides further protection.
Provide children with extra protection: Children are at a greater risk for damage from UV radiation because they spend more time outdoors than the average adult, and the crystalline lens inside their eyes has less capability to filter UV compared to an adult.
Before sending kids out to play, make sure they have well fitted sunglasses along with a wide-brimmed hat to protect their eyes from UV radiation.
If you are still seeking help in finding the best eye protection or sunglasses that are right for you, consider calling optometrist Dr. Jo-Anne Monteiro at 905-332-2162 or visiting their website www.drjmonteiro.com.