HEALTH & WELLNESS
Protect Those Baby Blues
By Vicki Bennington
Blue eyes and even those those that are lighter shades of green or hazel are the most vulnerable to the sun because they have less pigmentation than darker eyes . So says the American Academy of Ophthalmology . But that doesn ’ t mean that people with eyes that are brown or gray or other shades in-between are safe from the sun when unprotected .
Sunglasses are not only stylish and cool , they can protect one of your most important assets – your eyes - in every color nature provides . Healthy eyes are important for seeing the world around us , and healthy eyes are beautiful eyes , often called the windows to the soul . You won ’ t catch stars like Jennifer Aniston outside without her Ray-Bans or her Sama Eyewear sunglasses – and that ’ s a good ritual to follow .
• Adults and children alike should keep their eyes protected from the sun , though many young children tend to leave them off . Yet sunglasses can literally help save your sight . United Healthcare experts say the lens in a child ’ s eye is clear from birth through about age 10 and can ’ t filter out as much sunlight as an adult lens . That means sun exposure can cause more damage before age 10 than after , when the lens begins to get cloudy .
• Studies suggest that 80 percent of sun damage occurs by age 18 . UVA rays can damage the macula , the part of the retina that controls central vision . UVB rays affect the front part of the eye – the cornea . Sun damage can lead to various eye diseases , including cataracts and
age-related macular degeneration , often resulting in vision loss . Most of these types of eye problems build up over a period of years , but there can be some damage even in the short term .
• If your eyes feel tired or gritty after a day at the beach or boating on the water , it may be a form of too much UV exposure , and can even cause short-term vision loss . Sunlight can also cause squinting and watery eyes , which sunglasses will help alleviate ; if they have the proper specifications , that is .
• Look for labels that state that the sunglasses block at least 99 percent of UV rays . Larger lenses are better because they cover more of the eye and surrounding tissues . Wrap-around glasses are even better protection .
Keep in mind that sunglasses are not just for sunny summer days . Sunny winter days , and even cloudy days during any season , do not keep the sun ’ s rays away . The safest thing to do is to wear sunglasses when outside during daylight hours .
Wide-brimmed hats , along with sunglasses , can offer an extra form of protection for your eyes - and the skin on your head and face . Some brands of contact lenses now offer UV protection , but not all are created equal . Many brands do not offer such protection , and those that do , offer two different levels . Check with your eye doctor for the most protective lens available , but even then , top them off with a pair of shades .
86 GAZELLE STL