Nevada Eye Physicians understands that good eye care goes beyond an annual visit to the eye doctor. It should be incorporated into your everyday habits as well. During one of the sunniest months of the year, protecting your vision from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays should be your number one priority. This is why we educate patients about UV Safety Month in July.
There are many ways you and your family can practice smart eye safety at home. Learning about eye protection, such as sunglasses and swimming goggles, are just the beginning. Contact our team in Las Vegas, Boulder City, Henderson, Mesquite, and Pahrump, NV today. We are here to provide helpful information and encourage Nevada residents about their eye care needs.
All about ultraviolet rays
The sun emits damaging radiation, commonly known as ultraviolet rays. UV rays have shorter wavelengths than visible light and cannot be seen by the human eye. We all know that ultraviolet rays cause serious damage to the skin if left unprotected. However, not many people realize the harmful effects UV rays have on the eyes. This means that prolonged exposure to sunlight not only leads to complications like skin cancer but also temporary vision loss.
There are several factors that contribute to the amount of ultraviolet exposure you experience. Knowing about these factors can make it easier to protect yourself and your loved ones at home:
- Altitude: higher elevations result in greater UV exposure
- Geographic location: people closer to the equator receive more UV rays
- The time of day: UV light is usually strongest when the sun is highest
- Your surroundings: reflective surfaces, like water and snow, increase UV exposure
- Medications: some medicines increase sensitivity to UV light
Why is eye protection important?
Many of our patients ask – why is eye protection important? Other than temporary vision loss or blindness, too much UV exposure can lead to a host of other conditions. If you have questions about any of the following, we encourage you to reach out to our office in Las Vegas, NV, for a private eye consultation.
- Pterygium: a pinguecula grows from the white part of the eye onto the cornea. This growth may lead to scarring of the cornea or permanent vision loss.
- Cataracts: the lens of the eyes become cloudy, causing blurred vision or halos around light sources. The color of the eye even changes as it becomes more cloudy.
- Macular Degeneration: one of the leading causes of vision loss. Blurred vision or reduced central vision are both key symptoms in macular degeneration.
How to protect your eyesight
Nevada Eye Physicians suggests preparing yourself by getting protective eyewear during UV Safety Month. High-quality sunglasses that come with ultraviolet protection are the best way to start. These are specially designed to protect your eyesight from UV rays and reduce harsh glare from reflective surfaces. There are many stylish frames on the market to meet your needs. In addition to protective sunglasses, swimming goggles provide great value when going to the beach or pool. Wide-brimmed hats are another way to keep your eyes out of the sun for long periods of time.
Children need UV protection, too!
The risk of damage to our eyes from UV radiation is cumulative. This means that the danger continues to grow with each period of sun exposure. With this in mind, it is critical for parents to help young children with eye protection. Kids are more susceptible to eye damage because they generally spend much more time outdoors than adults. From an early age, schedule annual eye examinations for your children and teach them about eye safety at home. During UV Safety Month, also tell your kids about the benefits of protective sunglasses and swimming goggles when going outside for activities.
Learn eye safety at home
When it comes to protecting your eyesight from ultraviolet rays, there are a lot of options to choose from. If you would like to learn about eye safety or schedule an appointment with our team, contact us for more information. Nevada Eye Physicians hold the safety of our patients and staff as our top priority.
Because healthcare is such an essential service at this time, our clinics in Las Vegas, Boulder City, Henderson, Mesquite, and Pahrump, NV are all following regulatory guidelines surrounding COVID-19. If you prefer to be seen through an online consultation instead of an in-person visit, please inform our scheduling department today.
