Think Sunglasses are just a Fashion Statement?

eye careLet’s face it, we live in a time during which how we present ourselves really does matter. It matter a lot. But you know what matters more? Health and wellness. The good news is that, when it comes to wearing sunglasses, you don’t have to choose one over the other. You can look good and protect your eyes from the ailments that sun exposure could cause. Make sure that you do, though, because the consequences of unprotected UV exposure could be far more serious than you expect.

  • Pterygium. This condition, in which tissue develops on the surface of the eye, is also referred to as “surfer’s eye.” It is not necessarily a serious condition, but it can cause discomfort; not to mention cosmetic concerns. Pterygium may respond to eye drops or steroid medication. Severe cases, though, may require surgery.
  • Macular degeneration. This condition affects the macula, which is an important structure within the retina. Most of the risk factors of macular degeneration include lifestyle conditions such as smoking and obesity; and then there is the matter of age. However, it has been noted in some studies that UV exposure can speed up the symptoms of this eye disease.
  • Glaucoma and cataracts. Like macular degeneration, it is possible for glaucoma to cause blindness. Cataracts can eventually be removed if and when cloudiness becomes intolerable. Each of these conditions has been linked to UV exposure, and experts agree that high quality sunglasses could significantly lower risk.

What differentiates a “high-quality” pair of sunglasses from a not-so-great pair?

It is not price, necessarily, but protection. Many of the sunglasses that are on the market today do little more than diminish the glare of the sun. What they need to do is filter out UVA and UVB light – 100%, and they need to do this from all angles. It is recommended that we wear sunglasses that wrap around the sides of the eyes in order to gain the utmost protection from UV rays. Also, UV rays shine through on cloudy days, too, so sunglasses are for everyday wear, not just for days at the beach.

Learn more about how to protect your eyes. Schedule your eye exam at Central Florida Eye Institute at (352)-237-8400.

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