2009 Associated Eye Care, Inc.
Associated Eye Care has been serving Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan since 1970.  With four convenient locations, we provide comprehensive eye care, ranging from routine eye exams to advanced eye surgery, as well as a full array of optical services. 
Richard H. Koop, M.D.
K. Charles Raffoul, M.D.
Karl J. Luketic, M.D.
Dino J. Costa, O.D.
Carol J. German, O.D.
Overexposure to UV Rays
 Can Lead to Eye Disease
It's summer and many of us will be spending a lot of time outdoors.  Most people think about UV protection for their skin while enjoying the summer sun, but they should also be considering the safety of their eyes.  In fact, whether it is cloudy or sunny, summer or winter, we should take measures to protect our eyes from the sun's UV rays in order to decrease the risk of eye diseases and disorders.

Overexposure to UV rays can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration, or, in some cases, skin cancer around the eyelids.  It can cause abnormal growths on the eye's surface and even sunburn of the eyes.  These conditions can cause blurred vision, irritation, redness, tearing, temporary vision loss, and in severe cases, blindness.

Children need proctection too.  The lenses of children's eyes are more transparent than those of adults.  And because the effects of solar radiation are cumulative, it is important to develop good protection habits early, such as purchasing proper sunglasses for yound children and teenagers.

Here are some tips that may prevent eye and vision damage from overexposure to UV radiation:
  • Wear protective eyewear any time the eyes are exposed to UV rays, even on cloudy days and during the winter.
  • Look for quality sunglasses or contact lenses that offer good protection.  Sunglasses or protective contact lenses should block 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.
  • Purchase gray-colored lenses because they reduce light intensity without altering the color of objects to provide the most natural color vision.  Brown or amber-colored lenses may be better for those who are visually impaired because they increase contrast as well as reducing light intensity.
  • Don't forget protection for young children and teenagers, who typically spend more time in the sun than adults and are at a greater risk for damage.
For additional information on UV protection, please visit the American Optometric Association at: AOA UV Protection.  And don't forget, a good way to monitor eye health and maintain good vision is by scheduling periodic comprehensive eye exams with your eye doctor.

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Christina P. Tam, M.D.
Richard C.Tam, M.D.
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