Q: Why is it important to protect your eyes during the summer?

Q: What vision conditions or eye diseases can be attributed to damage from UV rays?

A:  Overexposure to UV rays has been linked to a variety of problems, including age-related cataracts and degeneration of the cornea. Other disorders that can occur are abnormal growths on the eye’s surface and even sunburn of the eyes.  These conditions can cause blurred vision, irritation, redness, tearing and in some cases, vision loss.  The longer the eyes are exposed to solar radiation, the greater the risk of developing conditions later in life such as cataracts, macular degeneration or, in some cases, skin cancer around the eyes.

Q: When purchasing sunglasses, are consumers considering sunglasses with UV protection?

A:  Choosing the right protective eyewear can help ward off damage from UV rays. However, according to an American Eye-Q® survey, only 32 percent of Americans said UV protection was the most important factor to consider when purchasing sunglasses.  The survey found that many Americans are more concerned with the style and price of sunglasses than whether or not the glasses provide the proper UV protection.

Q: Can contact lenses provide UV protection?

A:  Yes, certain contact lenses incorporate an ultraviolet blocker in the lens, which helps further reduce exposure to UV light that eventually can cause cataracts and other eye problems. Patients can ask their optometrist for additional information about these contact lenses.

Q: What should consumers look for when purchasing sunglasses or UV protecting contact lenses?

A:  To best protect your eyes, look for sunglasses or protective contact lenses that block out 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B radiation and screen out 75 to 90 percent of visible light. Check to make sure sunglass lenses are perfectly matched in color and free of distortions or imperfections. Also, purchase gray-colored lenses because they reduce light intensity without altering the color of objects to provide the most natural color vision. 

Q: When are the sun’s rays the most damaging?

A: The risk for serious damage is greatest during the mid-day hours, generally from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and during summer months.

Q: Who’s at risk?

A:  Individuals whose work or recreational activities involve lengthy exposure to sunlight are at the greatest risk. UV radiation reflects off surfaces such as snow, water and white sand, so the risk is particularly high for people on beaches, boats or ski slopes.

Q: Is age a risk factor for damage from UV rays?

A: Yes. Children and teenagers are particularly susceptible to the sun’s damaging rays because they typically spend more time outdoors than adults, and the lenses of their eyes are more transparent than those of adults. The transparent lenses allow more UV short wavelength light to reach the retina of the eye. The 2010 American Eye-Q® survey showed that 66 percent of Americans buy sunglasses for their children, but more than one in four parents do not check to make sure the lenses have proper UV protection. Forty-seven percent of parents do not make sure their child always wears sunglasses while outdoors.

Q: Can consumers save more money by purchasing sunglasses or protective eyewear online?A: Consumer safety is the number one concern when it comes to eye and vision health. While the IOA supports a patient’s right to choose where they buy their eyewear, acquiring eyewear directly from an eye care professional is the best way to assure quality and accuracy. 

An important consideration to remember when choosing eyeglasses, prescription sunglasses or contact lenses is that they are medical devices used to correct vision and it is important not to confuse value with cost.  Patients should feel comfortable discussing cost concerns associated with their eyeglasses or sunglasses with their eye doctor.  Designer frames tend to be more expensive, so ask your optometrist for recommendations on which frames will fit within a specific monetary budget.  In addition, talk with your eye care professional to determine if special coatings on lenses and enhancements are necessary for your lifestyle.

 Q: What can consumers do to help prevent UV damage?

A: The effects of UV radiation are cumulative, so it’s important to develop good protection habits early in life.  Protection can be achieved by simple, safe and inexpensive methods such as wearing a brimmed hat and using eyewear that properly blocks UV radiation.

The following five tips from the Indiana Optometric Association can also help prevent further eye damage from exposure to UV radiation:

1.      Wear protective eyewear any time the eyes are exposed to UV rays, even on cloudy days and during the winter.

2.      Look for quality sunglasses or contact lenses that offer good protection.  Sunglasses or protective contact lenses should block out 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B radiation and screen out 75 to 90 percent of visible light.

3.      Check to make sure sunglass lenses are perfectly matched in color and free of distortions or imperfections.

4.      Purchase gray-colored lenses because they reduce light intensity without altering the color of objects to provide the most natural color vision. 

5.      Don’t forget protection for young children and teenagers, who typically spend more time in the sun than adults and thus are at greater risk for damage.

Q: How often should a person have an eye exam?

A: Children’s eye exams need to begin early in life. In fact, the IOA recommends that the first eye assessment should be between six and 12 months of age, then at age three and again before starting school.

According to the IOA, the best way to monitor eye health and maintain good vision is by scheduling yearly comprehensive eye exams with an eye doctor.

Q: Where can I find an optometrist in my area?

A: The easiest way to find an optometrist is through the doctor locator on the IOA’s website on this website (www.ioa.org). The IOA’s doctor locator allows users to type in their zip code to find an optometrist in their area.