Keep an Eye on Harmful UV Rays
ST. LOUIS
, MO
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Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a concern for many Americans, but most people are thinking about protecting their skin, not their eyes. Whether it's a cloudy or sunny day, summer or winter, the American Optometric Association (AOA) reminds Americans to take specific measures to protect their eyes from the sun's UV rays in order to decrease the risk of vision disorders.
The sun's primary danger is in the form of UV radiation. UV radiation is a component of solar radiation, but can be given off by artificial sources like tanning beds.
According to the AOA's 2008 American Eye-Q survey, which identified Americans' attitudes and behaviors regarding eye care and related issues, only 49 percent of Americans said UV protection was the most important factor when purchasing sunglasses. Respondents said that the price and style of sunglasses were among the most important factors to them.
"Overexposure to UV rays has been linked to a variety of problems, including age-related cataracts
and degeneration of the cornea," said Gregory W. Good, O.D., PhD, optometrist and AOA's UV Protection Expert. "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, temporary vision loss and, in some instances, blindness."
According to Dr. Good, the effects of solar radiation are cumulative; therefore optometrists recommend parents purchase proper eyewear for young children and teenagers. The longer the eyes are exposed to solar radiation, the greater risk a person has for developing conditions later in life such as cataracts or macular degeneration.