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I would venture to guess that at some point you’ve probably experienced the pain of a sunburn or witnessed the agony of someone who has. Maybe you even know someone with skin cancer. While the sun’s UV rays are invisible, the damaging effects of exposure are not. A bright red sunburn is one harmful condition UV rays cause that’s easy to see, but what you may not realize is that UV rays can actually damage how you see. Exposure to the sun’s UV rays may lead to eye problems including Macular Degeneration (leading cause of vision loss for elderly Americans), Cataracts, Pterygium (ter-ee-gee-um: a growth that begins on the white of the eye and can eventually block vision), Skin Cancer around the eyelids, and Corneal Sunburn which can result in temporary vision loss.
Who is at risk for UV eye damage? Everyone. Men, women, children, grandparents. You, whoever you are reading this right now, are at risk. Those who spend extended amounts of time in the sun face increased risk of eye damage, as well as those who have had cataract surgery, or those who are on medication that increase the eye’s sensitivity to light.
Now you know some of the damaging conditions UV rays can cause, and you know if you’re at risk (you are). What can you do to screen the sun’s harmful UV rays? The best way to shield your eyes is to wear glasses and sunglasses with 100% UV protection. Another option for patients are Prescription Polarized Sunglasses. Pearle Vision’s prescription polarized sunglasses combine vision correction and UV protection for the ultimate hybrid of safety and convenience. Your doctor can combine these with your prescription for the best protection against UV ray exposure.
Schedule an eye exam with a Pearle Vision Independent Doctor of Optometry today, and ask about Prescription Polarized Sunglasses at your visit.
