Summer Eye Care - UV rays and more

As published in MapleLine Magazine: May 6, 2009

by Dr. Louise Morin

The weather network reports the UV index daily during summer. This serves as a reminder to use sunscreen and protective eyewear. Radiation includes infrared, visible and ultraviolet (UV) light. In order to protect your eyes from the sun’s radiation, we need to be concerned about visible and ultraviolet radiation.

UV radiation is composed of UVA, UVB and UVC. UVA comprises 95% of eye exposure and UVB exposure accounts for only 5% of eye exposure, while UVC is absorbed by the earth’s ozone layer. UVA penetrates deepest into the eye, potentially affecting the retina. In children under 10, 75% of UVA penetrates to the retina. With age the lens in our eyes becomes thicker and brownish, significantly reducing UVA penetration. So sunglasses are very important for young children and people who have had cataract surgery.

UVB radiation is absorbed by the surface of the eye (cornea and lens). Although at lesser concentration than UVA, UVB can potentially do more damage. UVB can cause cataracts and corneal damage including corneal sunburn. Other risks from UV exposure are skin cancer, macular degeneration and pterygium (a growth that clouds the cornea but can be removed surgically). UV exposure is intensified by reflection on water, snow and at higher altitudes.

Dangerous radiation is not limited to UV. We do not think of visible light as dangerous, however blue light (the short wavelengths of visible light) appears to be a factor leading to macular degeneration. As we get older the eye’s internal lens absorbs more of the blue light, thus reducing exposure. When cataract surgery is performed this protection is lost; surgeons will recommend the use of amber sunglasses after surgery to protect the retina from sun damage.

There is wide selection of lenses on the market. Seek advice about the best type for the activities you do most outdoors such as boating, reading a digital display or looking through a visor. Make certain that glasses fit properly with a good fit around your nose and behind your ears. If you will be using a helmet, bring it along to make sure your sunglasses will still be comfortable while wearing the helmet.

Wearing sunglasses or prescription glasses with UV protection is important for everyone. It is very important for parents to educate their children about the importance to wear sun protection (eyes and skin); this is good prevention. Sunglasses do not need to be expensive to provide good protection. Check the label for a rating of at least 95% UV protection. Prescription eyewear can be very effective protection against UV without a tint, using a UV 400 coating. For more information about UV protection and your eyes, contact your optometrist. MM

Drs. Louise Morin and Brian Joslin are optometrists with offices in Sooke and Langford, BC.

See the printed article on page 11 of MapleLine Magazine (Spring-Summer 2009 issue / May-Jul.2009).

Subscribe to MapleLine.

PAGE SPONSOR: ElearningCanadaDepot.com - Pick and choose your courses in computer usage and business topics. Pay as you go. Phone: 250-642-7729 or toll-free 1-877-595-6925. info@elearningcanadadepot.com