The Sun & Your Eyes: What You Need to Know Provides Important Sun Safety Tips
9th May, 2010 - Posted by Dr. S. Barry Eiden - No Comments
While 85 percent of Americans recognize that UV rays can damage their eyes, only 65 percent wear sunglasses as protection, and even fewer (39 percent) make sure their children wear sunglasses, according to Attitudes and Perceptions about Vision Care, a 2009 survey report from The Vision Care Institute.
To help parents, caregivers and others better understand the risks associated with UV exposure to the eyes and steps to take to minimize UV exposure, HealthyWomen, the leading independent health information source for women, is offering a free educational resource, Fast Facts for Your Health: The Sun & Your Eyes: What You Need to Know.
“This latest in a series of Fast Facts for Your Healthresources can help families understand the potential damage that UV can cause to their eyes and vision. It’s a quick read on the unexpected sources of UV radiation damage, as well as straightforward, practical advice for minimizing the risks of UV exposure,” says Elizabeth Battaglino Cahill, RN, and Executive Director of HealthyWomen.
Fast Facts for Your Health: The Sun & Your Eyes: What You Need to Knowwas developed with the support of Vistakon, Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., and can be viewed or downloaded at www.healthywomen.org/sunandyoureyes.
The effects of UV exposure are cumulative and include early development of cataract and higher risk for the development of macular degeneration. Additionally, cancers of the skin areas around the eyes are more common for persons with greater cumulative exposure to UV. The use of UV absorbing glasses (both sunglasses and regular glasses), UV absorbing contact lenses, wearing of wide brim hats when out in the sun, and general reduction in prolonged and direct sun exposure all will minimize your risk for those diseases and conditions associated with UV exposure.

Transition Lenses that turn light and dark depending on lighting conditions absorb UV radiation and provide adequate eye protection
Tags: cancer, cataract, macular degeneration, pinguecula, pterygium, ultraviolet, UV, UV radiation
Posted on: May 9, 2010
Filed under: Eye Care News, General Posts

No Comments
No Comments
Leave a reply