Protect More Than Just Your Sunglasses This Summer
Summer eye safety tips from the experts at Lighthouse International
As the summer season begins. experts at Lighthouse International urge everyone to take eye safety seriously and prevent damage from the sun that could be permanent...
Dr. Bruce Rosenthal, OD is the chief of low vision programs at Lighthouse International, a leading non-profit organization in New York City devoted to helping those "at risk" for, and those experiencing vision problems. He offers the following tips and advice for safeguarding your reader's eyes from permanent damage this summer.
Sunglasses* -- Research shows most people do not wear sunglasses during extended sun exposure. Much more than just a stylish accessory, the right sunglasses (also called absorptive lenses) are essential for those spending time outside. Sunglasses reduce the amount of light entering the eye, protect against harmful ultraviolet (UV) light and decrease glare, and increase contrast. Constant exposure to bright sunlight can damage the cornea, the lens and the retina. Remember, a dark lens does not necessarily have UV protection -- look for lenses that absorb 99 to 100 percent of UV light, particularly UV-B. Also follow these tips:
1) Be sure to wear proper sunglasses that have 400 UV protection or more. An ultraviolet-blocking coating can also be placed on any lens, regardless of the degree of tint. However, a coating does not block as much UV light as the protective lens.
2) Be sure to wear sunglasses especially during long hours on the beach or on the water when the water reflects and intensifies the sun.
3) Avoid blue-tinted sunglasses -- they may look cool but blue tint actually emits UV light which is what you are supposed to be blocking out
Sand and sunscreen -- It doesn't only pave the path to the ocean: the small, gritty sand particles can cause severe irritation and perhaps even cut your eye, especially during windy days at the beach. To shield your baby blues (or browns or greens) wear sunglasses, a hat or a visor. If you do get sand in your eye, don't rub it in. Flush your eye with lukewarm water for 15 minutes.
The same approach should be used for flushing sunscreen from your eyes. Using a waterproof, sweat-resistant sunscreen can help you avoid the stinging sensation of sunscreen running into the eyes.
Lawn and garden care -- A time-honored summertime activity, caring for your lawn and garden is about more than green grass and fresh flowers. Wear protective goggles when mowing the grass or churning dirt to prevent flying objects such as hidden stones, sticks or glass from piercing your eyes.
Summertime sports -- From a friendly baseball game to playful water fights, outdoor activities can be as dangerous as they are fun. Be sure to wear proper eye protection that is fitted properly when playing any sport. Such protective lenses should be made of polycarbonate, which can withstand high impact. Eye injuries are one of the leading causes of visual impairment in children.
Bug spray and pesticide -- Keep those pesky critters at bay without damaging your eyes. Spray bug repellant into your hands and then apply to the face to avoid the eyes. Wear goggles when applying pesticide to the lawn or garden beds. If you do get bug spray or pesticide in the eyes, flush with lukewarm water for 15 minutes.
Fireworks and BBQ smoke -- What would July 4th or a family BBQ be without fireworks or a fiery grill? The fact is that of the 12,000 emergency room visits for fireworks-related injuries each year (The Vision Care Institute), 20 percent involve the eyes. Wearing safety glasses while watching fireworks displays or playing with sparklers can reduce this staggering statistic.
Keep those safety glasses handy when you're manning the BBQ pit. Billowing smoke from the grill can cause burning and painful irritation to the eyes.
*According to Dr. Rosenthal: "Research shows that only one in six Americans wear sunglasses when they are in the sun for long periods of time, yet people who spend excessive hours in the summer sun have an increased risk in later life of developing age-related eye conditions such as macular degeneration as well as cataracts and corneal problems. Sunglasses are vital because they keep certain wavelengths of light from entering the eye. They can also reduce the amount of light entering the eye, protect against harmful UV light, decrease glare and increase contrast."
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If you have vision impairment, speak with your eye care professional or low vision specialist (optometrist or ophthalmologist) at Lighthouse International to learn which sunglasses best suit your needs. Eye diseases are treatable and some are preventable. To locate an eye doctor specializing in low vision in your area call Lighthouse International's toll-free number at 1-800-829-0500 or visit www.lighthouse.org.
Founded in 1905, Lighthouse International is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to preserving vision and to providing critically needed health care services to help people of all ages overcome the challenges of vision loss. Through services, education, research and advocacy, the Lighthouse enables people with low vision and blindness to enjoy safe, independent and productive lives. For more information about vision loss, its causes and what you can do about it contact Lighthouse International at 1-800-829-0500 or visit www.lighthouse.org.