May 9, 2005 Hello! "While most people
know that sunscreen is essential when venturing outdoors to protect
their skin from ultraviolet rays, it is crucial to remember that
the eyes can be damaged as well. In fact, prolonged exposure to
UV rays can result in serious eye damage. Cataracts, the leading
cause of blindness in the world, can be caused by UV-A and UV-B
rays. According to the 'Vision Problems in the U.S.' report by
Prevent Blindness America, there are over 20 million people in
America alone that suffer from the disease. UV-A penetrates deep
into the eye and may injure the macula, the part of the retina
responsible for sight in the center of the field of vision. UV-B
is mainly absorbed by the cornea and lens of the eye and can damage
these tissues. Photokeratitis, or 'corneal sunburn,' is a result
of intense exposure to UV-B. The condition is extremely painful
and sufferers can experience vision loss for 1-2 days. Pterygium,
a tissue growth that forms on the white of the eye and is also
caused by UV exposure, may spread to the cornea without treatment
and may eventually require surgery. 'UV rays are harmful to everyone,'
said Daniel Garrett, senior vice president of Prevent Blindness
America. 'Adults, children, men, women, no matter what your background,
you are susceptible to eye damage from the sun if you don't take
the necessary precautions.'" Okay, that sounds really bad. But how many people actually injure their eyes? "An estimated 2.4
million people in the United States suffer eye injuries every
year, and most of them occur during summer. The result: Nearly
1 million Americans have permanent vision impairment due to injury,
and more than 75 percent of these people become blind in one eye.
... As you set about your summer activities, doctors urge you
to take precautions to make sure your eyes are safe. The most
insidious eye injuries can come from the summer's main attraction
-- the sun. Ultraviolet rays can cause sunburned corneas, cancer
of the eyelid, and increased risk of eye diseases such as cataracts
and macular degeneration." When damage is caused by a baseball or a hockey puck, it is often more obvious (at least to an ophthalmologist) what the immediate and long term effects will be. Much like the effects of the sun on the skin, the damage to the eyes may not be immediately apparent. "[T]hose diseases
won't develop until long after you've sustained an eye injury
that you might not even know you have, said New Orleans ophthalmologist
Dr. Monica L. Monica. 'You're not aware of the damage that's going
on with UV rays until you're much older,' Monica said. She recommends
that everyone wear sunglasses that will block ultraviolet light.
'These don't have to be expensive sunglasses,' Monica said. 'Just
make sure it says 100-percent UV protection.'" Even with 100-percent UV protection, sunglasses can only protect if they are blocking all the light that is reaching the eyes. Similarly, if you have contact lenses that offer UV protection, it is important to be aware that: "Some contact lenses
offer extra UV blocking. When wearing them, also wear sunglasses,
since these contacts cover only the center part of the eye and
can't do anything for uncovered areas. Hats help, too, because
they cover the top opening between sunglasses and your face." Even when the sun is not at it's brightest, doctors still caution: "It also is important
to remember to wear eye protection on overcast days, as clouds
do not completely reduce UV levels,' Dr. Davis continued. 'For
these reasons, it is All that said, wearing traditional sun glasses may not always be the best way to protect your eyes. "Many [injuries]
could have been prevented if the athletes had been wearing protective
eyewear, such as safety goggles with polycarbonate lenses. Ski
goggles are a must, and so are face shields (either 'cages' or
clear polycarbonate shields) for baseball or softball catchers,
and hockey, football and paintball players. Kids don't always
like to wear safety eyewear, but parents and coaches should insist.
... Never use 'dress' eyewear during sports. Glasses made for
street or office wear are not made to the same standard as safety
eyewear and will probably not hold up under impact. Not only could
they shatter or bend, but pieces of the lens or frame can cause
eye or face injury. Questions of the Week: Please email me with any ideas or suggestions. I look forward to reading what you have to say. Cindy |
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