UV radiation can cause eye disease and vision complications, so it is important to choose UVA-protective sunglasses to preserve your eyesight.

What Is Ultraviolet Radiation?

Are your sunglasses in a drawer waiting for the next beach trip? Millions of Americans are unaware they are exposing their eyes to harmful ultraviolet radiation, invisible rays of energy from the sun.

Two types of UV radiation contribute to skin and eye damage: UVA and UVB. Scientists measure UV radiation using the UV index, a scale from low radiation (1-2) to high (over 11). Experts recommend sun protection when the UV index is 3 or higher.

You cannot see or feel UV rays, and they can bounce or reflect off water, snow and sand. Therefore, sunglasses are just as important on cold, cloudy days.

What Happens When You Get Too Much UV Exposure?

Too much sunlight can have short- and long-term effects on your eyes. Similar to your skin, your eyes can also experience photokeratitis, a temporary sunburn. UV rays can burn the cornea and cause redness, soreness and light sensitivity. For most people, eyedrops and rest can treat photokeratitis.

Chronic sun exposure can cause more serious issues like skin cancer on the eyelid or eye. It can also cause pterygium or “surfer’s eye.” Pterygium is a fleshy growth that develops on the surface of the eye, and it sometimes requires surgery if it obstructs your vision.

Most people develop a cataract because of aging, but UV exposure can cause cataracts to develop more rapidly. UV radiation and other environmental factors make the lens cloudy, which can lead to the following problems:

• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Faded colors
• Appearance of halos around light and headlights
• Challenges with night vision

Too much exposure to UV light can also increase your risk for macular degeneration, a serious eye condition that deteriorates central vision. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in Americans over age 60.

How to Choose a Pair of Quality Sunglasses

Function is more important than fashion when it comes to sunglasses. The FDA publishes guidance regarding the intended use, labeling and performance claims of non-prescription sunglasses.

You may prefer aviator, cat eye or wayfarer, but choose sunglasses that provide maximum protection from UV radiation and meet FDA guidelines. Here are tips for selecting a quality pair of sunglasses that will protect your vision and promote eye health:

1. Select a pair of sunglasses that offer 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. Look for sunglasses that say “UV400,” meaning they block almost all ultraviolet radiation.
2. Some sunglasses use the term EPF or “eye protection factor,” which evaluates how effectively the sunglasses block UV rays. Choose sunglasses that have an EPF of at least 9 or 10.
3. Usually, light to medium tinted sunglasses are appropriate for driving and outdoor activities, while darker tints work well for the beach or skiing. Read the label carefully to determine the amount of protection the sunglasses offer.
4. Sunglasses offer more protection if they wrap around your face and fit close to the eyes. A close fit and wraparound style create a physical barrier to keep out UV rays.
5. Polarized lenses can help reduce glare from water and snow and can make golfing, boating and skiing more enjoyable. However, polarized lenses don’t naturally filter out UV rays. An additional coating must be added to the lenses to block UV light. Look for the EPF or UV label.
6. The FDA mandates that sunglasses must have impact resistance; however, they are not shatterproof and should not be relied upon as protective eyewear.
7. If you need protective eyewear for sports or industrial use, purchase safety glasses or goggles with plastic polycarbonate lenses. Polycarbonate lenses without coatings are prone to scratches, so opt for those with scratch-resistant features.

Other Ways to Protect Your Eyes from the Sun

Natural sunlight provides the best source of vitamin D, but getting too much sunshine can damage your skin and eyesight. The best way to get safe amounts of vitamin D is to spend a few minutes per day in the sun, whether in the mid-morning or mid-afternoon. During the winter and fall, you can spend some time outside in the afternoon when UV index is below a level 3.

Along with sunglasses, wear a wide-brimmed hat when you are outdoors. Hats will shade your face from the sun, but the brim must be sizable. A baseball cap won’t offer the same protection.

Sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is advisable, and remember to reapply sunscreen as needed. This is especially important if you will get wet during your activities. It is also important to limit your exposure to intense sunlight in the summer.

Visit an Ophthalmologist for a Comprehensive Eye Exam

You may think your vision is fine because you have never had any eye problems. However, 11 million Americans 12 and older have uncorrected vision issues.

Eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) do not have symptoms at the beginning stage of development. Comprehensive eye exams with dilation can detect eye diseases earlier when they are easier and less expensive to treat.

Talk to your doctor about how often you should schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Factors like age, ethnicity, family history and your personal medical history will help determine how often you should visit your ophthalmologist.

Some symptoms may indicate you need to see an eye doctor right away:

• Eye pain
• Double vision
• Flashes of light
• Floaters
• Circles around lights
• Eye redness or drainage

Find a Board-Certified Ophthalmologist Near You

Are you looking for a board-certified ophthalmologist in your area? We have eye care facilities across the country and welcome new patients. Your eyes deserve exceptional care, so call today to make an appointment.

There’s more than one reason to gobble your veggies at Thanksgiving dinner this year. Eating a diet rich in vitamin A and other antioxidants can promote clear vision and slow or prevent eye diseases.

Carrots Are at the Root of Good Eye Health

Today, carrots are available in various colors and types, all packed with vitamins A, B, K and potassium. Although carrots won’t make your eyesight better, vitamin A can help your night vision. Vitamin A deficiency causes thousands of cases of night blindness every year.

There are two types of vitamin A:

• Provitamin A is found in carotenoids, plant-based chemicals. Carrots contain large amounts of carotenoids, like alpha and beta carotene, that can convert to vitamin A.
• Preformed vitamin A is found in dairy products, animal products and organ meats.

Carrots provide nutrition whether they are raw, cooked or frozen, yet cooking may increase carotenoids. One important tip to remember is that if you eat raw carrots, you need to eat a fat source, or you’ll lose the benefits.

Don’t just limit yourself to carrots during your holiday meal. Other good sources of vitamin A include sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, apricots, cantaloupe, mango and spinach. Consider making a spinach salad or roasting a medley of root vegetables like sweet potatoes, parsnips, onions and turnips.

Vitamin C Regenerates Damaged Cells in the Eyes

Your body cannot make vitamin C, so you must obtain it through foods. Vitamin C is present in the aqueous humor, the liquid in front of your eyes, and serves as a vital antioxidant to help prevent cataracts. About one in six Americans older than 40 has a cataract, and half of all Americans will develop cataracts by age 75.

Sun damage, smoke and fried foods can damage cells, but vitamin C can repair and regenerate cells. Peppers, russet potatoes, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and strawberries contain high amounts of vitamin C. Start looking for recipes for roasted Brussels sprouts, broccoli salad or mashed cauliflower. Your eyes will thank you!

Add a Pop of Flavor with Flavonoids

Many vegetables, fruits and plants contain flavonoids, which can enhance retinal ganglion cells. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that can fight viruses, inflammation and cancer. Increasing flavonoid intake could have a positive effect on your vision.

One study found that drinking hot tea and coffee could have a positive impact on your macular retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL), which is associated with neurodegeneration. Experts have linked RNFL thinning and neurological problems like glaucoma, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and mild cognitive impairment (NCBI).

To get maximum benefit from flavonoids, you should eat a wide variety of foods, including onions, kale, soybeans, red cabbage, citrus fruits, berries, tea, red wine and dark chocolate. Instead of pie, you could offer your guests a colorful fruit plate with berries, citrus and squares of dark chocolate with a high cocoa percentage. You probably thought no one would ever recommend red wine for good eye health, but pour a small glass and celebrate the season. Your eyes will thank you.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Prevent Eye Disease

When the body digests fats, it breaks fats down into fatty acid chains, which support an array of functions in our eyes. Omega-3 and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) are especially powerful to prevent chronic eye conditions.

Omega-3 fatty acids lower inflammation and help maintain eye health and function. Getting plenty of omega-3 fatty acids lowers your risk of developing dry eye syndrome, age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.

Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish like tuna, salmon, halibut, sardines and trout. Although fish may not be on your Thanksgiving shopping list, consider creating a charcuterie board with sliced ahi tuna, salmon spread and smoked trout dip.

Think “Green” When Boosting Lutein and Zeaxanthin Levels

Lutein and zeaxanthin are fat-soluble carotenoids found in the pigments of leafy green vegetables and brightly colored foods. They support the macula, the area of the eye that provides our central, detailed eyesight. Adequate levels of lutein and zeaxanthin may help prevent or slow down the advancement of age-related macular degeneration, which is the primary cause of vision impairment in seniors.

Adding lutein and zeaxanthin to your holiday buffet is simple: assemble a salad with every shade of green. Spinach, romaine lettuce, kale, collard greens, turnip greens, peas and broccoli all contain high amounts of fat-soluble carotenoids.

Get a Comprehensive Eye Exam Before the Year Ends

The calendar year is ending soon, and that means your medical visits and procedures could be less expensive than any other time of the year. Monitoring your eye health is an essential part of preventive care and equally important as an annual physical exam.

Because many eye diseases do not have symptoms in the early stages, conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy can develop without warning signs. Therefore, if you have any eye problems or develop a new health condition, it’s important to visit your eye doctor right away.

Besides getting regular eye exams, you can make daily choices to protect your vision. Wearing sunglasses with 100 percent UVA and UVB protection can prevent oxidative stress and free radicals due to sun damage. Quitting smoking is another way you can support healthy eyesight and overall health. Smoke from tobacco products can increase your risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, so get support if you smoke.

If you would like to find a board-certified ophthalmologist in your area, just enter your zip code and you can locate an eye doctor near you for a comprehensive eye exam with dilation.

May your Thanksgiving table be full of colorful, eye-healthy foods this year!

Warm weather and longer days entice us to go outside and have fun in the sun. However, outdoor activities increase the risk of developing ocular problems. Sun exposure, infection and foreign objects can cause damage to your eyes, so take precautions to wear sunglasses, safety goggles and sunscreen outdoors.

Overexposure to the Sun Can Cause UV Damage to Your Eyes

Sunshine can be healthy if you limit your exposure to ultraviolet rays. In the presence of sunlight, your skin makes vitamin D (also known as the sunshine vitamin) from cholesterol. The best source of vitamin D is sunlight, but about 40 percent of Americans are deficient.

How much sunlight you need depends on factors like the season, time of day, latitude, altitude, weather conditions and skin color. On average, about 10 to 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure provide sufficient vitamin D. After that amount of time, you should apply sunscreen for the duration of your outside time.

The challenge is that most people get too much or too little sunshine. Excessive exposure to UV radiation from the sun, tanning beds and sunlamps can heighten the likelihood of developing corneal damage, cataracts, macular degeneration and skin cancer near the eyes.

You can protect your eyes from UV damage. You can wear …

• Sunglasses that block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays and wrap around the face.
• UV protective clothing made of tightly woven fabric.
• A wide-brimmed hat.
• Sunscreen that filters out UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 30 or higher.

Swimming Can Cause Infection from Bacteria and Fungus

One of the best ways to beat the heat is by taking a dip in a pool, lake or ocean, but be aware that you can catch an infection from various bodies of water. One type of microorganism that is difficult to treat is a parasite called acanthamoeba, which can cause severe eye infections.

“The eye is not great at fighting off different types of infections because it doesn’t have available blood supply to it,” said Masih Ahmed, MD, an assistant professor of ophthalmology at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. “If you have scratches in the cornea, which can happen from dry eye or even rubbing your eye, one of those microorganisms can get into those cuts and lead to infection.”

You can keep your eyes safe in the water by remembering some simple guidelines. It is important to remove your contact lenses before swimming or entering water to prevent potential eye irritation and infections from tiny scratches. If you wear contacts, use daily disposables.

Try to keep your eyes closed while under water. If you need to open your eyes, use swim goggles to protect your eyes from any pathogens.

Sports or Activities Require Eye Protection

Eye injuries from sports or outdoor activities can be serious. Wearing proper eyewear can increase performance and lower your risk of eye injury. If you or a family member are participating in any sports or activities, purchase some impact-resistant frames that meet ASTM standards. Polycarbonate frames and lenses will protect the eyes from a flying object, collision or impact.

Even doing yardwork and house projects can be dangerous. Wearing safety glasses while mowing the grass or using power tools like hedge clippers or a chain saw can protect your eyes from stones, dirt and debris. You can also protect delicate eye tissues from chemicals and substances like gasoline, cleaning solutions, varnish, paint and insecticide. Eye protection and proper handwashing can prevent irritation, injury and vision loss.

Many Eye Injuries and Diseases Are Preventable

According to the Vision Council, 90 percent of work-related eye injuries are preventable when using proper eyewear. Sunglasses, swim goggles and safety glasses offer protection from the elements, infection and debris.

Another essential component for long-term vision health is a comprehensive eye exam. Yearly eye checks help ensure that you and your family have current information on your eye health and that you understand your risk for eye diseases. Risk for cataracts, glaucoma, presbyopia, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration increases with age, but eye conditions can affect anyone. You also have a higher risk for eye problems if you have a family history of eye disease.

A comprehensive eye exam with dilation offers a window into your overall health. At your appointment, your doctor will …

• Evaluate refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness or presbyopia.
• Assess any focusing problems or other issues like strabismus, amblyopia or binocular vision.
• Screen for eye diseases and other chronic problems like hypertension, high cholesterol or another medical condition.

Make an Appointment before the Year Ends

You can maximize your insurance benefits by making an appointment for an eye exam or scheduling a consultation for an eye procedure. If you have met your deductible, some procedures may be less expensive than you think.

If you are not under the care of a board-certified ophthalmologist, we can help. Our eye doctors have eye centers located across the country and are accepting new patients. Eye health is a precious gift that requires regular care, so call today to schedule appointments for your whole family.

Eye injury, infection and nearsightedness affect people of all ages, so it is essential to schedule yearly eye exams for your children and family members. August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, a time to emphasize the importance of eye health and disease prevention.

The Prevalence of Myopia, or Nearsightedness

Have you ever noticed more people are wearing glasses now than in the past? Myopia, or nearsightedness, is steadily increasing. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that around 1.89 billion people were nearsighted in 2016. The WHO predicts myopia will affect 49.8 percent of the world’s population in 2050. This means one out of two people will require glasses or contacts to see objects at a distance.

What Is Causing Nearsightedness Rates to Increase?

Genetics can affect myopia, but environment also influences whether someone is nearsighted. When visual input is distorted, it can cause the eyes to enlarge. This results from an increase in the length of the eye and results in blurred vision. Myopia causes the eyeball to elongate from front to back. This affects its ability to focus light, which enables clear eyesight. This elongation increases nearsightedness, making distant objects blurry.

One of the main reasons myopia rates are increasing is children are staying indoors more often. A study in Leipzig, Germany, analyzed 1,437 children between the ages of 3 and 18.

Kids who only went outside once a week were four times as likely to have nearsightedness compared to children who went outside two or more times a week.

Another factor that affects myopia is the amount of time people spend focusing on something within one arm’s length of their faces. Increased amounts of near work make children more likely to develop nearsightedness.

The German study found that children who spent more than three hours a day doing near work were four times more likely to have myopia than children who spent less than an hour doing near work. Near work activities may include the following:

• Reading a book
• Looking at smartphones or tablets
• Working on a computer
• Doing crafts or needlework
• Drawing, painting or building models

Importance of Treating Myopia Early

If so many people are nearsighted, why does early treatment make a difference? Eyeglasses and contact lenses are simple solutions to myopia, but it is important to treat the condition early. Using corrective lenses for a few minutes every day can stop myopia’s progression.

Untreated myopia increases the risk of further progression of the lengthening of the eye, which may lead to vision problems like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment and macular degeneration. Each of these eye diseases can cause vision loss. For this reason, countries like the United Kingdom, China and most states in the United States have mandatory vision screenings in school.

How to Prevent Myopia

Environmental factors have a significant impact on how susceptible children are to being nearsighted. Daily exposure to sunlight and limiting near work activities can prevent pathological eye growth.

Because we live in the digital age, it is not practical to prevent children from using digital devices; it is wise, however, to limit their usage. Past recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics were that children spend no more than two hours on digital devices per day. Recently, they recommend parents consider the quality of interactions with digital media more than just the amount of time.

Creating Healthy Parameters for Using Digital Devices

It may be more beneficial for parents to talk to their children about healthy boundaries for using technology and digital devices. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at an object at least 20 feet away.

Pediatric ophthalmologist and Academy member Luxme Hariharan, MD, came up with BLINK 20-20-20.

Blink: Blinking helps keep the eyes moist.

Lubricate: Lubricate your eyes with artificial tears throughout the day or use a humidifier.

Inches: Keep the computer or desk an arms-length away and angle it downward from your child’s face.

Near device breaks: Encourage children to play outside with a sibling, friend or pet at regular intervals.

Know your sources: Seek information from trusted sources like your child’s doctor, eye doctor or the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam Before the End of the Year

Do you or your children find yourselves squinting to read street signs or decipher objects that are far away? It is time to schedule complete eye exams before the year ends. Yearly comprehensive eye exams help diagnose myopia, other refractive errors and eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. Family history can make you more susceptible to certain eye problems, so make sure to talk to your doctor to determine your risk of developing a disease or condition.

Schedule an Appointment with a Board-Certified Ophthalmologist

Observe Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month by contacting one of our eye care centers. Our board-certified ophthalmologists are accepting new patients and are ready to meet your vision needs.