Posts Tagged ‘Day In The Sun’

The Sun is Out, the Sky is Blue … Don?t Let Sun Damaged Eyes Spoil Your View

Monday, March 15th, 2010

Sunrays is to blame for eye injuries It is commonly known that exposure to sun can cause skin damage. However, it is not only the skin can suffer from increased levels of ultraviolet radiation to which we are exposed during the summer months, our eyes may be at risk too great. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause various eye disorders including cataracts and even cancer. UV radiation levels are three times higher in June, July and August than during the winter. Worse, 10-3 and at high altitudes, such as ski resorts, the levels are amplified. The effects of UV Light Exposure to intense levels of UV light, especially that which is reflected by snow, water or sand, can lead to the surface of the eye being burned, as the skin. While burns are usually temporary, they can still produce irritating and unpleasant symptoms such as: • swelling of eyes Gritty feeling ‘• A’ in the eyes • Excessive watering and blinking • An inability to handle the bright lights • The possibility of “snow blindness”, a form of temporary blindness However, the long-term exposure to UV radiation can have connotations far more dangerous, such as damage to the cornea and conjunctiva, and the lens and retina. This damage can lead to development of cataracts, cancer of the conjunctiva (the membrane covering the eye) and skin cancer of the eyelids. Research In addition, and perhaps more worryingly, research has shown that prolonged exposure to sunlight may lead to age-related macular degeneration, the, one for disorder that can lead to blindness. The research was conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School, USA. More than 3,600 patients aged 43 and 86 were followed for five years, and 2700 for 10 years. Participants who spent more than five hours per day in the sun during adolescence and the thirties and the study began were found three times more likely to develop increased retinal pigment, a trait associated with age Macular degeneration related to the. These same patients were also found to be twice as likely to develop early age-related macular degeneration over a period of 10 years compared to those who spent less than two hours per day in the sun. However, and quite importantly, the results also showed that participants who spent the most time in the sun stood around the 50% risk in less developed symptoms of age-related macular degeneration when they wore glasses sun hats for at least half the time spent in the sun. How to protect the eyes against sun damage 1. Wear sunglasses The most obvious – and effective – a way to protect the eyes against UV rays. Choose sunglasses that provide at least 95% UV protection with a lens tint that blocks 80% of light transmitted. Do not opt for lenses that block over 92% of the light, however, as this may affect the ability to see properly. Choose a pair of sunglasses well coated with lenses that sit near the eyes. Wrap-around frames to prevent light entering the eyes from all angles and make a wise choice for those who spend many hours in the sun. For vacationers, the polarized glasses have the added benefit of reducing glare from water, ski slopes and sand. Lens color is also a difference: gray lenses are ideal for training because they do not distort the primary colors. Green lentils are good in cloudy days because they allow the maximum amount of useful light reaching the eyes. For better protection against glare and delivery details, choose brown glasses. Most prescription glasses these days have built in protection UVA and UVB. Check for filtered word on the label. Transition lenses are clear indoors and dark outside is another option for carrying prescription lenses. 2. Wear a hat A wide-brimmed hat can reduce further exposure to UV rays by shading the eyes. 3. Wear contact lenses block UV rays alongside sunglasses Contact lenses block UV rays can help protect against transmission of harmful UV radiation to the cornea and the inner eye. However, there is still no evidence that wearing contact lenses block UV radiation reduces the risk of developing cataracts or prevent other eye disorders. These lenses are not a replacement for sunglasses absorb UV, but when used with sunglasses, they can block a large amount of UV reaching the eyes through the open spaces around sunglasses sun. 4. Minimize exposure to UV Reduce time spent in the sun 10-3, and during the summer months. Also, avoid sunlamps and tanning beds. 5. Watch what you eat A diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables and give impetus of antioxidants that can promote good eye health. At times of increased exposure to sunlight, such as during holidays abroad, to ensure a good quantity of these foods are included in the daily diet.

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