Sunglass Myths & Eye Damage Prevention

Sunglass Choice Helps Prevent Eye Damage

Did you know that too much sun on unprotected eyes increases the risk of eye disease? The good news is that prevention is simple: Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. But there are a lot of common myths about sunglasses and eye health. Here is some information to help debunk the myths and provide tips to promote smart eye health choices.

Myth #1: Sunglasses are Only for Sunny Days
False. UV light gets through clouds and haze. Regardless of the season, sun exposure can increase the risk of developing cataracts, growths on the eye and cancer. Sun reflecting off ice and snow can also lead to photokeratitis, a painful eye condition sometimes referred to as snow blindness.

Myth #2: Babies and Children Don’t Need to Wear Sunglasses
False. Children are just as susceptible to the sun’s harmful rays as adults. Start them on healthy habits early.

Myth #3: Cheap Sunglasses Don’t Offer Protection
False. Sunglasses don’t have to cost a lot of money to provide adequate eye protection. Less expensive pairs marked as 100 percent UV-blocking can be just as effective as more expensive options. Labels can sometimes be confusing. Some indicate sunglasses offer 100 percent protection from UVA/UVB radiation, others offer 100 percent UV 400 protection. Both block 100 percent of the sun’s harmful radiation.

Myth #4: Size Doesn’t Matter
False. The more coverage sunglasses provide, the less sun damage inflicted on the eyes. Consider oversized sunglasses or wraparound-style glasses, which can help cut down on UV light entering the eye from the side. Wraparound glasses may also protect against dry eye due to the wind.

Myth #5: Polarized Lenses Offer More Sun Protection
False. Polarized lenses do not block more radiation; however, they can cut down on glare reflecting off cars, water or pavement, which can make activities such as driving or boating more enjoyable. 

Myth #6: Darker Lenses Offer More Sun Protection
False. The darkness of the lens isn’t indicative of protection. Make sure the label on the lens says 100% UV-blocking.

Myth #7: Tinted lenses offer more Sun Protection
False. Amber, green and grey lenses do not block more of the sun’s harmful rays. However, tinted lenses do offer increased contrast for those who play sports, making a softball or a golf ball easier to see.

Your eyes need protection from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays just like your skin. Sunglasses are your prescription for eye health. They are effective, inexpensive, and provide protection year-round. Schedule an appointment to select and be fit with fashionable sunglasses to look good and protect your eyes! Call us at The Eye Clinic of Texas, an affiliate of Houston Eye Associates, at 800-423-3937, visit The Eye Clinic of Texas, or Facebook.

 

The Eye Clinic of Texas is an affiliate of Houston Eye Associates, the largest ophthalmology clinic in the nation. We are a leading eye care practice serving the greater Houston, League City and Texas City with offices at 1100 Gulf Freeway, Suite 114, League City, Texas 77573 and 7111 Medical Center Drive, Suite 110, Texas City, Texas 77590. 

Save Your Sight with Seven Simple Steps

Save Your Sight with Seven Simple Steps

People in their 20s or 30s are likely more concerned with launching careers and families than with their eye health. But this is the exact time of life to take action to preserve vision. That’s because most vision problems are preventable. Vision loss doesn’t have to be a natural part of getting older. Study after study has shown that exercise and a diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables can protect against blinding eye diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma. Taking simple steps can also help prevent certain types of eye cancer as well as work- and sports-related eye injuries. 

Here are seven simple steps for a lifetime of seeing well. 

·       Wear Sunglasses. Long-term exposure to the sun without proper protection can increase the risk of eye disease, including cataract, macular degeneration, growths on the eye, and a rare form of eye cancer.  Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation.

·      Exercise. Regular physical activity can protect you from serious eye diseases, such as age related macular degeneration and glaucoma.

• Stop Smoking. Smoking increases the risk for eye diseases such as cataract and age-related macular degeneration. Smoking also raises the risk for cardiovascular diseases which can indirectly influence your eye health. Tobacco smoke, including second-hand smoke, also worsens dry eye.
• Protect Your Eyes @ Work & Play. Every year, thousands of people in the United States get a serious work-related eye injury or sports-related eye injury. Wearing protective eyewear can prevent most of these injuries. To make sure you have the right kind of protective eyewear and you’re using it correctly, talk with your eyecare professional.  
• Be Aware of Eye Fatigue. If you spend a lot of time at the computer or staring at your phone, you may forget to blink-and that can tire out your eyes. Try using the 20–20–20 rule throughout the day: Every 20 minutes, look away from the screens and focus about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. Eye fatigue won’t damage your vision, but if it persists, it can be a sign something else is wrong.
• Take Proper Care of Contact Lenses. Sleeping, showering and swimming in contact lenses increases your risk for a potentially blinding eye infection. Learn how to properly care for contact lenses.
• Know Your Family History. Certain eye diseases can be inherited. If you have a close relative with macular degeneration, you have a 50 percent chance of developing this condition. A family history of glaucoma increases your glaucoma risk by four to nine times. Talk to family members about their eye conditions.

 

Please schedule regular eye exams to preserve your eye health & vision. It’s important to take care of your eyes,  just like you take care of the rest of your body. Call The Eye Clinic of Texas, an affiliate of Houston Eye Associates, at 800-423-3937, visit The Eye Clinic of Texas, or Facebook.

The Eye Clinic of Texas is an affiliate of Houston Eye Associates, the largest ophthalmology clinic in the nation. We are a leading eye care practice serving the greater Houston, League City and Texas City with offices at 1100 Gulf Freeway, Suite 114, League City, Texas 77573 and 7111 Medical Center Drive, Suite 110, Texas City, Texas 77590.