Summertime eye safety
Posted by: West Georgia Eye Care Center in Frontpage Article on July 10, 2015
Summertime poses a new set of risks to your vision: the sun, the sand, the UV rays, the extreme sports. We asked our optometrist and resident sports vision expert, Dr. Mark P. Smith, to give us a few thoughts on how to best protect your eyes during this season:
“We know that short, invisible wavelengths of light, in the ultraviolet region, are biologically reactive and can worsen cataract and macular degeneration. We also know that ultraviolet radiation can cause pingueculae and pterygia, making the eyes red and irritated.
Since the sun is a major source of UV radiation, the protection offered by UV-blocking sunglasses, particularly the wrap-around type, is very helpful for patients who spend a lot of time outside. Wide-brimmed hats can also be effective in keeping out UV light.
The summer is a favorite time for outdoor tasks, including grass-cutting. Persons using lawnmowers, particularly weed-eaters, should wear safety glasses with polycarbonate lenses. Polycarbonate lenses not only offer better impact resistance than any other lenses, they also block UV light quite effectively.
Many people have poor or no vision in one eye and they are most at risk for eye injuries when using power tools, working around caustic chemicals, or participating in recreational activities. Wearing eye protection is absolutely essential for such individuals since their depth perception may be compromised, thereby making them more prone to injury.
For sporting activities on the water, like fishing, skiing and windsurfing, polarized sunglasses with UV-block are a great choice for both sharper vision and eye protection. These polarized lenses cut glare, and they are even available now in a transitions design that automatically darkens in the sunlight.”
Wherever your summertime adventures take you, West Georgia Eye Care Center has the protection you need! Visit our Optical Shop for a great selection of polarized sunglasses and safety glasses!
