The Future’s So Bright… You Need To Wear Shades!

Why Should You Wear Sunglasses All Year Round?

Cataracts:  Cataracts are a clouding of the lens inside of the eye that leads to vision loss.   Although most people will develop cataracts later in life, ultraviolet exposure can contribute to the premature formation of cataracts.

Skin Cancer:  Ocular Melanoma: is the most common cancer of the eye and is very aggressive.  Although rare, it is known that sun exposure increases the risk.  Basal cell carcinoma is the most common cancer of the eyelid.  If not treated in time, it can metastasize to the eye, the orbit, the sinuses and the brain.  It is most likely to appear on the lower eyelids.

Macular Degeneration: This a disease that affects the center of your vision, making it difficult to read, enjoy near activities, and if severe enough, can contribute to blindness.  Sun exposure can increase the risk of macular degeneration.

Photokeratitis: Also know as “snow-blindness”, photokeratitis is sunburn to the cornea (the front surface of the eye). Symptoms include pain, redness, and a temporary loss of vision.  In a news story from 2012, Anderson Cooper reports on his experience with photokeratitis after spending 2 hours on a boat without sunglasses.   http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/12/05/anderson-cooper-light-blind-snow/1748521/

Pinguecula: These fleshy benign growths on the eye can contribute to dryness and irritation.  If it spreads to the cornea it becomes a pterygium which can sometimes block the vision.  They can be removed surgically, but often return.  This condition is especially prevalent in populations that live closer to the equator.

Summer is almost here, but the sun is with us all year long!  Sunglasses should not only be a fashion choice. Protect your eyes now, SEE the future!

Contact Maple Eyecare to schedule your next eye examination.