July 2020 Newsletter

Happy 4th of July…

The Risks of Too Much Ultraviolet (UV) Light

Too much exposure to UV light raises your risk for eye diseases and other problems of the eye. These include:

Cataracts – see our June 2019 Newsletter -https://www.eyecentersofnwo.com/newsletters/june-2019-newsletter
Eye Cancer
Growths on the Eye
Snow Blindness (photokeratitis)

Diseases like cataracts and eye cancers can take many years to develop. Each time you are in the sun without protection you add damage that increases your risk for them. Babies and children need to wear hats and sunglasses for this very reason. People of all ages should take precautions whenever they are outdoors.

Growths on the eye, such as pterygium, can show up in your teens or twenties. Surfers, skiers, fishermen, and farmers are at particular risk. People who spend long hours under the midday sun or in intense conditions near rivers, oceans, and mountains should take extra precautions.

Snow blindness is a form of photokeratitis. Strong exposure to snow or ice reflection can quickly cause the painful damage of snow blindness. Strong light reflection off sand or water can also cause photokeratitis.

Summer UV Eye Safety

Summertime means more time out in the sun. We all use sunscreen to protect our skin, but don't forget to protect your eyes as well. It is important to start wearing proper eye protection at an early age to protect your eyes from years of ultraviolet exposure.

According to a national Sun Safety Survey conducted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, only about half of people who wear sunglasses say they check the UV rating before buying. The good news is that you can easily protect yourself. To be eye smart in the sun, we recommend the following:

Wear sunglasses labelled "100% UV protection." Only use glasses that block both UV-A and UV-B rays and are labelled either UV400 or 100% UV protection.
Wear a hat along with your sunglasses. Broad-brimmed hats are the best.
Know that clouds don't block UV light. The sun's rays can pass through haze and clouds.
Be careful in UV-intense conditions. Sunlight is the strongest midday to early afternoon, at higher altitudes, and when reflected off of water, ice or snow.

By embracing these simple guidelines you and your family can enjoy the summer sun safely while protecting your vision.

Year-Round Sun Safety Tips

Sun damage to your eyes can happen at any time of year, not just in the summer. Follow these tips to protect your eyes from the sun all year long:

Wear UV-blocking sunglasses and broad-brimmed hats whenever you're outside.
Protect children and senior citizens with hats and sunglasses. Everyone is at risk for sun damage.
Never look directly at the sun. Doing so at any time, including during an eclipse, can lead to solar retinopathy. This is damage to the eye's retina from solar radiation.
Avoid tanning beds. Tanning beds pose the same risks to your eyes and body as outdoor UV light.

Moderation for Eye Health

Sunshine for a Good Night's Sleep

Research suggests that light-sensitive cells in the eye are important to our ability to regulate wake-sleep cycles. This may be more critical as we age, when more people have problems with insomnia. While it's important to protect your eyes from too much UV light, you need a little natural light every day to help you sleep well.

Time Outdoors May Prevent Nearsightedness in Kids

Research shows that children who spend more time outside in daylight may have a lower risk of nearsightedness. Not only is exercise great for eye health but exercising outside may be additionally beneficial. Take your children outside to play to help lower their risk for nearsightedness and teach them good habits for a lifetime of eye health. But don’t forget those hats and sunglasses!