Are You At Risk For UV Eye Damage?
It’s summertime, and the living’s easy – unless, of course, your eyes are prone to the risk of UV damage.
While technically everyone is prone to UV eye damage – especially in the season of barbeques, baseball games, and beach trips all in the summer sun – there are some individuals who are more prone to this type of debilitating damage than others. For these people, eye protection isn’t just important; it’s absolutely critical for maintaining the health and well being of their eyes for life.
At New View Eye Center in Reston, Virginia – also serving the greater Washington, D.C. area – Dr. Jacqueline Griffiths and her friendly team are dedicated to providing you with the information, tools and resources you need to keep your eyes healthy for life. From regular eye exams to prescription sunglasses – and everything in between – you can expect the kind of care and dedication that makes it possible for you to keep your eyes healthy and strong.
UV Eye Damage and Your Risk Factor
During the summer, it’s incredibly important to protect your eyes from the sun, particularly during those long, sunny road trips or beach days. This can prevent UV damage from occurring, which ensures that your eyes stay happy and healthy for years to come. Look for sunglasses that say 100% UV protection, as these are the ones that will protect your eyes from strong summer sun.
For the following individuals, UV protection needs to be taken up a few notches:
- Those people who suffer from retinal dystrophy are more likely to be at risk for UV damage than those with healthy eyes. Also, individuals who suffer from macular degeneration have a greater risk of suffering from UV-related sun damage. As a general rule of thumb, if you suffer from any eye disease, it’s important to wear UV-filtered sunglasses whenever you go outside. Talk to your ophthalmologist if you have any questions about which sunglasses are right for you.
- Those individuals who have recently undergone cataract surgery must be extra-cautious when going out in the sun.
- Individuals who are taking prescription drugs that make them photosensitive (in other words, sensitive to sunlight). These drugs include tetracycline, doxycycline, psoralens, allopurinol, and phenothiazine.
Protect Your Eyes This Summer
Enjoy the summer sun without putting your eyes at risk. Visit Dr. Griffiths at New View Eye Center in Reston, Virginia – also serving the Washington, D.C. area – to learn more about protecting your eyes from UV damage.