OE Patients

Tag: UV protections

  • Celebrate National Sunglasses Day

    Celebrate National Sunglasses Day

    If you have not already developed the habit of protecting your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun, today is the day to start practicing.  Learn to take the steps on a daily basis, that will preserve your precious sight.  This is extremely important, not just in the summer, but every day of the year.

    It’s National Sunglasses Day, a great excuse to buy yourself a fabulous new pair or get one for someone you love.  We encourage everyone to express their personal style and to be sure the glasses they select are qualified for the job.  The American Optometric Association recommends lenses that block out at least 99 percent of UVB and UVA rays and screen 75 to 90 percent of visible light.

    There is no shortage of options for shielding eyes during all outdoor activities.  Be certain your shades provide maximum protection, good coverage, fit well and look great.  Choose the lens type and color that best suits your needs.

    Sun is damaging to young and old eyes alike.  Light eyes are at greater risk because they contain less of the melanin that protects darker eyes.  All eyes are susceptible to damage over time, including the development of cataracts, macular degeneration and both ocular and skin cancers. Excessive exposure to sun rays can also burn the cornea.

    Protective lenses are a must for snow sports.  UV is more intense at higher altitudes and snow reflects about 80 percent of the suns rays, which is like getting hit twice.  The same goes for water and sand.

    Obviously, sunglasses are far more than a fashion accessory.  They should be worn even on cloudy days and in shaded areas.  A brimmed hat is another great way to further minimize exposure.  And please don’t forget sunscreen on uncovered skin.  It’s much smarter to be safe now, than sorry later.

    This isn’t our first reminder about protecting your eyes from the sun.  Here’s another post we shared on the subject:

    “Keep The Sun Out of Your Eyes”

     

    Group of people all wearing sunglasses
    Group of people wearing sunglasses outside.

    This article was originally posted on Jun 26, 2018 and resurfaced Jun 27, 2021.

  • Put Sunglasses On Your Kids, The Benefits Are Long Term

    Put Sunglasses On Your Kids, The Benefits Are Long Term

    The natural inclination to protect our children from harm has for many decades included sun protection. On any summer day, at a whole host of outdoor venues, parents can be seen diligently slathering up their little ones with the prescribed application (and re-application) of sunblock. It only makes sense that protecting young eyes from the damaging rays of the sun should also be a priority, right?

    Grown-ups, for the most part, automatically put on the shades at the beach and during outdoor activity. This is behavior we like to see kids mimic.  Young children and adolescents are most vulnerable because their eyes do not filter ultraviolet light as well as adults. The damaging effects are cumulative and irreversible, experts say most of the damage occurs by age 18. This is why the sunglasses must be applied, with the sunscreen, from a very early age.

    Needless to say, helping your kids develop the habit of protecting their precious eyes from sun exposure, will benefit them for decades to come. It might actually help them avoid age-related macular degeneration and cataracts much later in life.

    Sunglasses do not only apply to the summer months, winter offers no reprieve. Children are exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays year round. All prolonged sun exposure and sporting activities should be accompanied by protective eyewear (and maybe, even, a brimmed hat). It is best to keep babies, under 6 months, out of the sun entirely, shielded by hats, stroller canopies and umbrellas.

    Here are 4 practical tips for buying children’s sunglasses:

    • Including your children in the selection process will make buying sunglasses fun. If they love the glasses they will be happy wearing them.
    • Be sure to choose sunglasses with lightweight polycarbonate lenses with 100% UVA and UVB protection and maximum impact resistance.
    • Look for frames that are rounded, flexible and have wraparound coverage. They should fit snug and may include a velcro band, good for playing sports. Comfort and style are key factors in selecting glasses your child will keep on wearing.
    • Good quality children’s sunglasses are available in a range of prices.  A higher price is not necessarily indicative of superior quality. If there is any doubt, have the sunglasses tested by an optician to confirm they provide maximum protection. (Note: Sunglasses lacking UV protection can be riskier than no glasses at all, as the dark lens will cause the pupil to dilate, allowing ultraviolet rays to enter the retina.)

    Remember, teaching kids to protect their eyes from a young age will pay off through old age. They’ll thank you for it!