Women Health

There has been plenty of publicity about harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and the demage it does to our skin. Most of us now know sensibly enough to cover up or apply protective sunscreen before stepping out into the sun; and a good number religiously follow those simple steps to prevent sunburn, skin cancer and age spots.
Unfortunately, we tend to overlook caring for our eyes; or perhaps don’t take the danger seriously enough. UV rays are equally as damaging to our eyes as on our skin; and since we can’t avoid stepping out into the sun, we must protect them before permanent damage is done.

UV Damage
It’s all well and good that our skin can be adequately protected with sunscreen, but what of our eyes?
Exposure to UVA and UVB rays can have adverse effects on our eyes and vision. It damages the eye’s surface tissues as well as the cornea and lens. It can burn the front surface of the eye, much like a sunburn on the skin.
Short – and long – term exposure to these dangerous rays can cause significant damage. It is important to note that UV radiation can also be given off by artificial sources like welding machines, tanning beds and lasers. Even sand, water and snow reflect UV light.
Note that such damage is already taking place when we start tearing or squinting in bright sunlight – as our eyes are actually creating a natural defense against UV rays. If you are exposed or unprotected to excessive amounts of UV radition over a short period of time, you are likely to experience an effect called photokeratitis; which is an inflammation of the cornea.
Like a ‘sunburn of the eye’, it may be painful and may create symptoms including red eyes, a foreign body sensation or gritty feeling in the eyes, extreme sensitivity to light and excessive tearing. Fortunately, this is usually temporary and rarely causes permanent damage to the eyes.
Long term exposure to small amounts of UV raditions is more serious. Exposure to small amounts of UV radition over a period of many years may increase the chance of developing a cataract and may cause damage to the retina, the nerve – rich lining of the eye that is used for seeing. This damage to the retina is usually not reversible.
Comulative damage of repeated exposure may contribute to chronic eye disease, as well as increase the risk of developing skin cancer around the eyelids. Long-term exposure to UV light is also a risk factor in the development of pterygium ( a growth that invades the corner of the eyes) and pinguecula (a yellowish, slightly raised lesion that forms on the surface tissue of the white part of your eye).

Radiation Protection
Good old common sense should prevail each time we step outdoors. For starters, invest in a quality pair of sunglasses that offer good protection and use a wide – brimmed hat whenever you do anything in the open.
Having said that, it isn’t enough to don a pair of shades as a fashion accessory in a bid to look good. Many wear designer sunglasses to make fashion statements; but wearing the most fancy schmancy shades will do you no good unless they block out 99 to 100% of both UV-A and UV-B radition.
Also, because sunlight enters the eye from above, below and around the sunglasses; it is imperative that these peripheral rays be bloked out as well. Wraparound frames provide additional protection by keeping UV rays from reaching the eyes. They’re effective in protecting the delicate skin around the eyes too.
Some contact lenses now offer UV protection. Such lenses provide added protection by effectively blocking sunlight that may enter the cornea from the top, bottom or sides of the glasses. However, you still need to wear sunglasses because UV rays will likely affect the eye tissue that is not covered by the contact lenses.
“Although UV-blocking contact lenses provide important added protection for patients, they should not be viewer an a stand – alone solution,” says Dr Brian Linde OD, a Montana – based optometrist and past president of the Montana Optometric Association. “Contact lenses should always be worn in conjuction with giht – quality UV – blocking sun – glasses and a wide – brimmed that for maximum UV protection for the eyes.

Tanning Care
Getting a tan in a tanning salon is not any safer than getting one on the beach; as research han shown that UV radition levels of a tanning bed are 100 times that of the natural sun.
In other words, without proper protection, tanning beds can cause serious burns to both the skin and eyes as they emit both UVA and UVB rays that can cause photokeratitis. Symptoms can range from painful tearing and redness of the eye to extreme cases of temporary loss of vision.
As with most sunburns, symptoms may not appear until 6 – 12 hours after exposure. Most UV damage is culumative, meaning that the damage will not appear until years later. So make sure you wear clean, UV – blocking geoggles. Regular sunglasses or placing cotton balls over the eyes is not sufficient protection.

Eye Spy
According to the American Optometric Association, cataracts and age – related macular degeneration are two of the leading causes of reduced vision in the US. Gradual development of cataracts is a normal part of the aging process. However, there are a number of factors that can speed up the aging process and not wearing sunglasses is one that can easily be helped.
Cataracts can be removed by surgery but there is no cure for macular degeneration. See your optometrist for annual comprehensive eye exams to maintain your eye health. Prevent Blindess America has a dedicated web resource, which provides free information on UV, tips on purchasing the best eye protection and even a quiz to test UV knowedge. Go to read more . The group also offer a free brochure on protecting your eyes from the sun.

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