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 Somers, NY - Ultraviolet (UV) protection is a concern for many Americans, particularly in the spring and summer months, but a new national survey found most people are thinking about their skin, not their eyes, when they are out in the sun for extended periods.
The New York State Optometric Association (NYSOA) warns that prolonged exposure to the sun's UV rays and short wavelength light (violet and blue light) without proper protection may cause eye conditions that can lead to a variety of vision disorders.
According to a recent survey by the American Optometric Association (AOA), which identified Americans' attitudes and behaviors regarding eye care and related issues, 40 percent of Americans do not think UV protection is an important factor to consider when purchasing sunglasses.
"Just as skin is 'burned' by UV radiation the eye can also suffer damage. The lesson - especially for young people - is that eyes need protection too. Protection can be achieved by simple, safe and inexpensive methods such as wearing a brimmed hat and using eyewear that properly absorbs UV radiation," said Ami Ranani, O.D., of Somers, who is the president of NYSOA's Westchester-Rockland-Putnam Optometric Society.
Overexposure to UV rays has been linked to age-related cataracts, pterygium, photokeratitis and corneal degenerative changes. These conditions can cause blurred vision, irritation, redness, tearing, temporary vision loss and, in some instances, blindness. And while the correlation is still unclear, there appears to be a link between excessive summer sun exposure and retinal pigmentation.
NYSOA also cautions that the effects of sunlight exposure are cumulative; therefore, individuals whose work or recreational activities involve lengthy exposure to sunlight are at the greatest risk. UV radiation reflects off surfaces such as snow, water and white sand, so the risk is particularly high for people on beaches, boats or ski slopes. The risk for serious damage is greatest during the mid-day hours, generally from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and during summer months.
Children and teenagers are particularly susceptible to the sun's damaging rays because they typically spend more time outdoors than adults, and the lenses of their eyes are more transparent than those of adults. The transparent lenses allow more short wavelength light to reach the retina of the eye.
The effects of UV radiation are cumulative, so it is important to develop good protection habits early in life, such as wearing sunglasses with UV protection. The survey showed that 61 percent of Americans buy sunglasses for their children, but 23 percent do not check that the lenses provide protection against UV rays.
By educating Americans about the dangers of UV rays on the eyes and the importance of choosing proper eyewear that provides the best UV protection, doctors of optometry are helping patients protect their long-term eye health.
The following top five tips from NYSOA can help prevent further eye damage from exposure to UV radiation:
- Wear protective eyewear any time your eyes are exposed to UV radiation, even on cloudy days and during the winter.
- Look for quality sunglasses that offer good protection. Sunglasses should block out 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B radiation and screen out 75 to 90 percent of visible light.
- Check to make sure sunglass lenses are perfectly matched in color and free of distortions or imperfections.
- Purchase gray-colored lenses because they reduce light intensity without altering the color of objects, providing the most natural color vision.
- Don't forget protection for children and teenagers. They typically spend more time in the sun than adults and are at greater risk of damaging their retinas from short wavelength light.
Additionally, be sure to receive routine comprehensive eye exams from an eye doctor. It's a good way to monitor eye health, maintain good vision, and keep up-to-date on the latest in UV radiation protection.
To find an optometrist in your area, or for additional information on eye health (including glaucoma), please visit NYSOA's website at www.nysoa.org.
About the New York State Optometric Association (NYSOA): The New York State Optometric Association, founded in 1895, is dedicated to enhancing the vision care and health of the public and promoting the art and science of optometry.
For nine decades, it has benefited the quality of life of New Yorkers, the profession and individual doctors of optometry. NYSOA also plays a significant role in how optometry is perceived by other professions, government agencies and the public at large.
A non-profit individual membership organization, NYSOA works with local affiliated optometric associations throughout New York State, and is affiliated with the American Optometric Association. Members practice in a variety of settings including their own private offices, in association with other optometrists and ophthalmologists, and in hospital clinics and health maintenance organizations. It has more than 1,250 members and is based in Albany. Jan Dorman is the executive director of NYSOA and Andrew Sacco, O.D., of Vestal, is NYSOA president.
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