Prevent Eye Damage By Protecting Your Eyes From UV Radiation

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Prevent Eye Damage By Protecting Your Eyes From UV Radiation

by Matthew L. Gada, OD
Most of us understand the link between Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, sunburn and skin cancer. Many however, are less aware of the link between UV radiation and eye damage. Think of quality sunglasses as sunscreen for you eyes.

 

Long term exposure to UV radiation can increases your risk of developing cataracts and may cause damage to the retina in the form macula degeneration. Exposure to intense UV radiation over a short period of time can cause photokeratitis. This is a “sunburn of the cornea” and can be quite painful. One should also understand that sunglasses offer protection to the delicate skin surrounding our eyes and eyelids. All in all it makes good sense to have proper UV protection.

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA); To provide adequate protection for your eyes, sunglasses should:

  • Block out 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation;
  • Screen out 75 to 90 percent of visible light;
  • Have lenses free of distortions and imperfections;
  • Have lenses perfectly matched in color;  
  • Have lenses that are gray for proper color recognition.

Polarized sunglasses offer 100% UV protection while filtering out glare. When glare is filtered out it creates less squinting and more comfortable vision with truer colors. Polarized lenses are a must if you are around the water but they are also an excellent option to use while driving and in most cases will make you a safer driver. 

If you spend a lot of time outdoors in bright sunlight, wraparound frames can provide additional protection from harmful solar radiation by limiting the stray light that reaches your eyes from above and beyond the periphery of the lenses.  It is recommended you also wear a hat or cap with a wide brim whenever you spend time outdoors.

Also remember UV protection for teenagers and children as they tend to spend greater amount of time outdoors.  Certain brands of contact lenses also offer UV protection. Please remember that theses lenses do not take the place of sunglasses but they do add to the overall UV protection we are looking to provide our eyes with.

Be sure to see your Doctor of Optometry for annual comprehensive eye examinations. It is a good way to monitor your eye health, maintain good vision and keep track of your solar radiation protection needs as well as new advances in eye protection.

Please feel free to stop by our office with your current sunglasses. We would be happy to put them in our UV meter. You will be able to see for yourself if you have adequate protection. This is a free service.

Below are some links that discuss sunglasses and lens options:
http://www.aoa.org/x4735.xml  American Optometric Association
http://transitionssunwear.com    Transitions Lenses
http://www.youngeroptics.com/nupolar_effect.aspx    Polarized Lenses
http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html  Daily UV Index

 **Please visit our Deals page to see Eye 2 Eye’s exclusive WilliamsburgFamilies.com offer!

**Eye 2 Eye is sponsoring a June Monthly Contest:

“Get Your Eyes Ready for Summer” Package.
Featuring Costa Del Mar Sunglasses: “See What’s Out There”
Sponsored by Eye 2 Eye Optometric Center
(Prize is valued at over $400)

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1147 Professional Drive, Suite A

Williamsburg, VA 23185
Phone: 757-259-2300
Fax: 757-259-2302
e-mail us
www.eye2eyeoptometric.net
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Matthew L. Gada completed his undergraduate at Merrimack College, BS in Biology 1991 and his completed his graduate degree at New England College of Optometry, Doctor of Optometry 1995. He moved to Williamsburg 1995 and worked 5 years with an area Optometry practice. Established Eye 2 Eye Optometric Center in 2000. He has been married 10 years, and he and his wife live in Williamsburg with their 3 children; a son and twin girls. Matthew enjoys family life, cooking, golf and fishing!

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