Summer Eye Protection: What You Need to Know

Summer is a time for barbaques, baseball games, and bonfires that stretch into the night.  Unfortunately, summer is also a time for an increased risk for eye damage, thanks to more time spent under stronger UV rays.  This means that both children and adults need to take precautionary steps to ensure that their eyes remain safe and healthy, no matter what their summertime adventures might bring.

Before we examine what summer eye protection you should be using, let’s examine why this occurs in the first place.  The eyelid is designed to protect your eyes from sunlight; however, the eyelid skin is so thin that there’s only so much it can do during prolonged sun exposure.  The lens and the cornea of the eye are specifically designed to filter UV rays, but too much exposure to sunlight could end up damaging the eye.  Sun damage can cause a myriad of health problems, including:

• Eyelid cancers
• Intraocular melanoma
• Conjunctival cancers
• Cataracts
• Macular degeneration
• Benign growths
• Corneal Sunburn

It’s important to note that the health problems associated with sun damage isn’t just limited to adults; significant eye diseases can also afflict children.  In order to protect your eyes from serious – and sometimes even deadly – sun damage, Dr. Michael Loeffler of the Center for Ophthalmology and Laser Surgery Center (serving the surrounding Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale areas) recommends taking the following precautions:

• Never forget to wear sunglasses when you’re outside.  Ensure that you and your family have sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection.  Supplement your sunglasses by wearing a hat if you’re going to be in the sun for a significant period of time.

• Wear sunscreen.  It’s not just great for your skin; it can also help shield your eyes from damaging UV rays.  For stronger protection, consider placing zinc oxide on your nose and underneath your eyes, as this can cut down on the UV rays that are filtered by your eyes.

• Never underestimate the power of shade.  If you’re spending a day at the beach with your family, bring along a tent or large umbrella that gives everyone the chance to get out from underneath the sun.

• Talk to your children about sun safety.  Your children may not understand why sunglasses and hats are so important; however, if you share with them that it helps keep their eyes healthy and strong, they’ll be more likely to wear crucial eye protection.

In addition to these actions, it’s important to schedule regular exams with your ophthalmologist. At the Center for Ophthalmology and Laser Surgery – serving the greater Fort Lauderdale, FL and surrounding Florida areas – Dr. Loeffler and his staff members are dedicated to protecting your family’s eyes against the culmulative effects of sun damage.  Schedule an appointment with Dr. Loeffler today to learn more about protection from sun damage. (954) 786-5353