» UV Ray Eye Protection
Lack of Eye Protection From UV Rays
May Cause Eye Damage Now & Later In Life
Prevent Blindness Mid-Atlantic Warns of Lasting Effects of UV Damage
Richmond, VA
(April 22, 2009) – Ultraviolet (UV) rays are well known for their
damaging effects on the skin. One area of the body that
sunscreen cannot protect is the eyes. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can
cause “sunburns” to the eye, also known as photokeratitis.
The painful condition may result in temporary loss of vision for 1-2
days. In addition, the presence of pterygium, a growth of
tissue that forms on the white of the eye, is in direct correlation to
the amount of UV exposure that the person has been subjected to.
Without treatment, this condition may require surgical treatment.
The damaging
effects of UV rays may not develop until years later. In
fact, UV damage is cumulative and has been linked to cataracts and
macular degeneration later in life. The delicate skin around
the eye and the eyelids is also susceptible to UV damage.
According to the Office of Air and Radiation at the Environmental
Protection Agency, basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin
cancer to affect the eyelids and may appear on the lower lid, in the
corners of the eye and under eyebrows.
Prevent Blindness
Mid-Atlantic has declared May as UV Awareness Month to help educate the
public on how to protect their eyes. Fortunately, protecting
the eyes and vision is easy and does not have to be
expensive. No matter what time of year it is or what the
weather forecast is, sunglasses that block 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B
rays should always be worn in conjunction with a brimmed hat.
While UV-A has lower energy, it penetrates deep into the eye and may
injure the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sight in the
center field of vision. UV-B radiation is presumably more
dangerous and is mainly absorbed by the cornea and lens of the eye and
can damage those tissues.
Wrap-around
sunglasses are best as they protect the eyes and the skin around the
eyes. Some contact lenses may offer UV protection but they can’t
protect the entire eye and the skin around it.
“When we head
outside to enjoy the great outdoors, we all need to remember to protect
one of our greatest gifts—our sight,” Tim Gresham, President and CEO of
Prevent Blindness Mid-Atlantic. “We adults need to be good
examples for our children and encourage them to get in the habit of
protecting their vision for years to come.”
According to the
American Optometric Association, children are at a greater risk of UV
damage because the lenses of their eyes are more transparent, which
allows more short wavelength light to reach the retina.
Parents looking to purchase sunglasses for their children should
remember to buy sunglasses with the proper UV protection.
Sunglasses without UV protection may shade the eyes but actually cause
the pupils to dilate, allowing in even more harmful rays.
And, children’s
glasses should be made of unbreakable polycarbonate to fit their active
lifestyle. The frames should be bendable and the lenses should not pop
out. The child should try the sunglasses on and make sure
they shield enough of the eye above, below and on the sides.
For more
information on the dangers of UV exposure and more information on how
to choose the best sunglasses for adults and children, please call
Prevent Blindness Mid-Atlantic at (888) 790-2020.
» What You Might Not Know...
About Prevent Blindness Mid-Atlantic
Prevent Blindness Mid-Atlantic
is the only local volunteer-based nonprofit organization whose sole
mission is to preserve sight and prevent blindness. The primary means
of accomplishing our mission since 1957 is through vision screenings
for both children and adults, providing support groups for seniors, and
supplying public and professional education and information. For more
information, or to contribute to the sight-saving fund, call toll-free,
(888) 790-2020, ext. "0." We also gratefully accept online
donations here at this web site!
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