Schaumburg, IL - Are you a sun worshipper who cannot wait
to hit the beach once summer arrives? Do you live in a climate
that is sunny year round, or does your profession necessitate
being outside a great deal of time? Most people are aware of
the potential damage ultraviolet (UV) rays can do to the skin,
but are less aware that anyone who spends time in the sun runs
the risk of developing eye damage caused by exposure to these
same rays.
Queen of comedy, Phyllis Diller, woke up one morning with
part of her right eye blacked out - AMD had already affected
vision in her right eye before she went to the doctor. "I
should have gone to the doctor sooner, as early detection is
crucial to improving your odds of preventing further vision
loss caused by the disease," admits Diller. There are two
forms of the disease - wet (exudative) and dry (non-exudative).
The dry form is more common and accounts for 70 to 80 percent
of AMD cases.
UV radiation in sunlight, including both UV-A and UV-B, has
been shown to be harmful to the eye. UV-A penetrates deep into
the eye and may injure the macula, the part of the retina
responsible for sight in the center field of vision.
Photokeratitis, also known as corneal sunburn, is a result of
intense exposure to UV-B. It is most common among individuals
that spend long hours on the beach or ski slopes without
proper eye protection. It can be extremely painful and can
result in temporary loss of vision.
Furthermore, UV rays can contribute to the development of
cataract. Cataract is the most prevalent age-related eye
disease in the world, and according to the World Health
Organization, the leading cause of blindness. There are
currently close to 20.5 million Americans age 40 and older
with cataract. Cataract affects more than half of all
Americans by the age of 80.
"Any steps that one can take to decrease the risk of
developing cataract need to be taken seriously," said
Daniel D. Garrett, Prevent Blindness America (PBA)
spokesperson, "not only to save sight, but because the
costs associated with treatment are staggering." The
federal government spends more than 3.4 billion in Medicare
dollars a year on cataract treatment.
"Athletes, construction workers, fisherman, farmers,
beach goers and anyone who spends extended time outdoors -
these are the people that have the greatest risk of incurring
eye damage from UV rays. However, the best defense for
everyone is to wear sunglasses that screen 99 to 100 percent
of UV rays and brimmed hats," said Garrett. "By
protecting your eyes now, it may also prevent you from
developing eye disease when you are older," added
Garrett. PBA is offering two free brochures: Ultraviolet
Radiation: A Hazard to Sight, and Sunglasses: Selecting Good
Protection for Your Eyes. Call 1-800-331-2020 to receive
either of these free brochures.
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