This Summer Make it a Point to Take Care of Your Vision
As the days get longer and warmer, most people are eager to get outside and spend some time at the park, beach, or poolside. While we always remember what our mothers and the American Cancer Society have warned us about the sun’s harmful UV rays and pack up the sunscreen to prevent our skin from burning, we don’t always realize the dangerous effects the sun can have on our eyes too.
Excessive exposure to UV radiation over a short period of time cannot only cause sunburns of the skin but can also cause photokeratitis, which is like sunburn of the eyes. Symptoms include painful, red eyes, extreme sensitivity to light, excessive tearing and itching. Photokeratitis rarely causes permanent damage, but long-term exposure to the sun can be even more harmful. Research has shown long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation over many years can lead to Cataracts, macular degeneration and damage of the retina. With spring break approaching, Cataract Surgeon Las Vegas specialist Dr. Hiss & the Eye Care Associates of Nevada are warning those flocking to nearby resorts for vacation, to take note of some important vision safety tips before heading out into the hot desert sun:
- Help protect your children’s eyes from chlorine by having them wear goggles when swimming in pools or hot tubs.
- Always wear sunglasses or eye protection when tanning. UV rays from the sun or a tanning bed can cause age-related macular degeneration.
- Choose lenses that block out 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays and that wrap all the way around to your temples so sunrays can’t damage your eyes.
- Keep in mind that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Make sure you wear a hat/sunglasses during these peak hours of potential UV damage.
- Research shows UV radiation increases the risk of developing certain kinds of cataracts. Millions of Americans develop cataracts and cost billions of dollars to treat each year.
- New Cataract implants (IOLs) can block the sun’s harmful rays. Speak with your local doctor before having your Las Vegas cataract surgery.
- Protective eyewear also helps prevent: macular degeneration, skin cancer around the eyes and pterygium (tissue growth that can block vision).
- Overexposure to UV radiation can weaken the body’s immune system, reducing the skin’s ability to protect against cancers and infections.
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