Summertime is here, which usually means sunnier days and more time spent under the sun (especially for children). Just like your skin, your eyes need protection from UV rays to prevent future disease. According to the American Optometric Association over-exposure to UV rays has been linked to eye problems, such as age-related cataracts, pterygium, photokeratitis and corneal degenerative changes. These conditions can lead to blurry vision, decreased visual acuity, and even blindness. To keep your eyes healthy and safe inexpensive methods such as wearing a brimmed hat and using eyewear that properly absorbs UV radiation is recommended. Full Story.
The AOA offers the following advice about sunglasses:
* Wear protective eyewear any time your eyes are exposed to UV radiation, even on cloudy days and during the winter.
* Purchase quality sunglasses that offer good UV protection. They should block out 99 percent of UV-A and UV-B radiation and screen out 75 percent to 90 percent of visible light.
* Make sure sunglass lenses are perfectly matched in color and free of distortions or imperfections.
* Buy gray-colored lenses. They reduce light-intensity without altering the color of objects, providing the most natural color vision.
* Make sure children and teens wear sunglasses. They typically spend more time in the sun than adults.
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Dr. Steven Chang, the author of DailyDose, is a staff physician with Kosmix RightHealth. Dr. Chang practices Family Medicine at the University of California Davis Medical Center, where his medical interests include both pediatric and geriatric care, public health, gay and lesbian health, and sleep medicine. Dr. Chang trained at the Stanford University affiliated O'Connor Hospital, and was a research fellow at the National Institute of Health. He holds an M.D. from McGill University and a BA in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.