So many times, experts recommend that we modify our habits in order to reduce certain risks to our health and safety. But the recommended action may be cumbersome, time-consuming, or just not cool. However, it is possible to be fashionable while protecting yourself from at least one health risk, overexposure to the harmful rays of the sun.
In the past 50 years, the level of ultraviolet light from the sun has increased due to a reduction of a protective layer of ozone in the atmosphere. Ozone prevents the ultraviolet rays from reaching the earth’s surface. Exposure to theses UV rays leads to the development of skin cancer and cataracts, as well as injuries to other parts of the eye. While we generally associate cataracts with aging, children and young people are also at risk. It is possible for a person to accumulate 50% of the total lifetime dosage of UV radiation by the age of 18.
The amount of UV radiation acquired depends on a number of factors. People who live in high altitudes or who spend a lot of time in the sun develop cataracts earlier than those who do not. The sun’s rays are not filtered well at higher altitudes, and they become stronger as the equator is approached. Genetic factors also affect the amount of UV radiation that is absorbed. People with fair skin, light eyes, and light hair are at an increased risk. And certain medications, such as acne prescriptions, allergy drugs, and even ibuprofen can increase absorption of radiation.
Fortunately, protecting the eyes from the sun’s harmful rays is relatively easy and inexpensive. The best protection is the use of sunglasses that have a special coating designed to block 99-100% of both UV-A and UV-B rays. Dark glasses alone do not provide adequate protection. Consumers need to be mindful that not all sunglasses that claim to provide UV protection are not backed by any guarantee. Sunglasses that meet the criteria of blocking 99-100% of the harmful rays can obtain a seal from the American Optometric Association to support the claim of providing adequate protection. The style that affords the most protection are wraparound sunglasses, because they also protect the eyes from rays that enter peripherally. This is important, because ultraviolet rays are reflected off water, sand, and even snow, so they can enter the eye from any angle. If sunglasses are not available, just wearing a hat with a brim will help block 30-50% of damaging exposure to the eyes.
Since the damaging effects of UV rays are cumulative, cataracts can form at any age based upon the individual’s lifestyle and personal habits. A cataract is the clouding of the lens of the eye that can diminish vision. Normally, the lens and the cornea focus light rays on the retina. When a cataract begins to form, vision is often not noticeably affected, but with time, the cataract becomes more and more cloudy and hardens. This reduces the amount of light that reaches the retina, and symptoms become more obvious. Common symptoms of cataracts include blurred or cloudy vision, glare from light (especially at night), double or multiple vision, colors appear faded, and night vision in general worsens.
Once a cataract develops, it may be treated for a time by using stronger lenses in eyeglasses and contacts, but usually will progress until the condition is alleviated through the use of surgery. Cataracts may develop very slowly or very quickly; in-slow growing cataracts, the use of stronger lighting and magnifying lenses may improve vision sufficiently to avoid surgery for a long time. People are able to live with cataracts for lengthy periods of time. However, when vision loss interferes with daily activities, it is probably wise to consider cataract removal.
When a person has cataract removal surgery, all or part of the lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. The operation usually requires about an hour and is performed on an outpatient basis. Many people stay awake during the operation, which is almost painless, with the assistance of an anesthetic to numb the nerves in and around the eye. The cataract often is removed surgically (requiring an incision) or using a combination of surgery and ultrasound to dissolve the cataract. An artificial lens is then implanted. There may be mild to moderate discomfort immediately following the surgery, but this usually disappears in 1 to 2 days. Most people resume normal activity soon after. Typically, the eye will heal completely in about 6 weeks.
Fortunately, cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective operations performed today. It is one of the most common types of surgery performed in the United States each year, resulting in improved vision in over 90% of patients. However, preventing or delaying the development of cataracts is preferable. In fact, the National Eye Institute states “if cataracts could be delayed by just 10 years, the need for cataract surgery in the U.S. would decrease by almost half.”
Some tips to reduce exposure to UV rays are:
- Avoid staying in the sun between 10:00 am – 3:00 pm when the rays are strongest.
Conduct outdoor activities in shady, grassy areas during mid-day.
- Use protection even on cloudy days, since 80% of the UV light can still reach the
eyes.
- Protect children by avoiding the sun during the middle of the day, using brimmed
hats and sunglasses. Children are even more susceptible to UV damage because the tissues in their eyes are more translucent than in adults.
- Protect your eyes when using sun lamps or other artificial sources of UV radiation.
Further information about reducing the risk of cataracts can be obtained by contacting
The American Academy of Ophthalmology at 800 222-EYES, http://www.eyenet.org/, the American Optometric Association 314 991-4100, http://www.aoanet.org/ , Prevent Blindness American at 800 331-2020, http://www.prevent-blindness.org/, or the National Eye Institute on line at http://www.nei.nih.gov/.