May - UV Radiation Safety Month
More and more, scientific evidence shows that long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation can damage our eyes. With the thinning of the earth's ozone layer and the growing popularity of outdoor activities, there is a strong possibility that UV-related eye disorders will increase within the next decade. No one is immune to sunlight-related eye problems. People who are at higher risk of developing problems from UV rays include those who spend long hours in the sun because of work or recreation, those who have had cataract surgery and individuals who have certain retinal disorders.
Eye Facts
A: UV is ultraviolet radiation, and is sometimes called the "sunburn rays." The sun produces many types of radiation. Some is the light we need for seeing. There is infrared radiation that is invisible but felt as heat. Ultraviolet radiation is also invisible.
A: More and more scientific evidence shows that long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation can damage our eyes. With the thinning of the earth's ozone layer and the growing popularity of outdoor activities, there is a strong possibility that UV-related eye disorders will increase within the next decade.
Ultraviolet radiation may contribute to the development of various eye disorders, such as macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss among older Americans, and cataracts, a major cause of visual impairment and blindness around the world.
A: Everyone-even a child- is at risk. No one is immune to sunlight-related eye problems. People who are at higher risk of developing problems from UV rays include those who spend long hours in the sun because of work or recreation, those who have had cataract surgery and individuals who have certain retinal disorders. Also, some people are more sensitive to UV rays, including those who take certain medications, such as tetracycline, sulfa drugs, birth control pills, diuretics and tranquilizers that increase the eye's sensitivity to light.
A: Using both a brimmed hat or cap and UV-absorbing eyewear can provide protection from sunlight. A wide-brimmed hat or cap will reduce the radiation that may enter the eyes from above or around glasses. Ultraviolet-absorbing eyewear provides the greatest measure of UV protection. Be certain your lenses block at least 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B. Be wary of brands that claim "provides UV protection" without specifying exactly what percentage of UV rays the product blocks.
Exciting new research in the field of nutritional supplementation and optical health reveals specific antioxidants and other nutraceuticals helps protect eyes from UV radiation and free radical damage.
EAGLE EYES® High Performance Eyewear provides 99.9% protection from harmful light rays; while allowing in vision-enhancing lightrays. Our patented Lens Technology, developed by scientists from NASA's JPL, protects eyes from blue, violet and ultraviolet light for maximum protection in addition to giving you superb visual acuity, even at great distances!
Nutrition and Eye Health
More and more, researchers are finding a connection between good nutrition and maintaining healthy eyes. Researchers now believe that age-related eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration may be prevented or slowed by ingesting vitamins and minerals found in fruits and vegetables or taken in supplement form.
The key antioxidants being studied and recommended for their role in reducing the risks of age-related eye diseases include Vitamin A (beta carotene), Carotenoids (Lutein & Zeaxanthin), Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Zinc. These nutrients can be found naturally in leafy green vegetables (i.e. spinach, kale & collard greens), carrots, citrus fruits, melons nuts, and seeds.
Although many people are not of aware of it, macular degeneration, often called AMD or ARMD (for age-related macular degeneration), is the leading cause of blindness in the world. The disease breaks down the macula, the light-sensitive part of the retina responsible for the sharp, directive vision needed to read or drive. Central vision, especially, is affected. Supplementing with Vitamin C and Carotenoids, specifically Lutein, may prevent or slow some of the degenerative processes in the retina that can lead to age-related macular degeneration. A recent study known as The Last study (Lutein Antioxidant Supplementation Trial) is the first published clinical trial to record actual improvement in several key visual functions among patients with "dry" AMD, the most common form of the disease. This study also showed that AMD symptoms might be reversed through lutein supplementation or a supplement mix of lutein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Lutein is a naturally occurring nutrient found in dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale and collard greens. The complete study appears in the April 2004 issue of Optometry-Journal of the American Optometric Association.
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which lies behind the iris and pupil. Over time, as the cataract grows, vision progressively becomes impaired. No one is clear why the eye's lens changes as we age, forming cataracts; however, recent research indicates it may be related to exposure to ultraviolet light, diabetes and users of diuretics, tranquilizers and steroids.
Eating a diet rich in antioxidants or supplementing with antioxidants such as Vitamin A (beta-carotene), Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Selenium appear to prevent or slow the progression of cataract disease. A recent research report also suggests that lutein and zeaxanthin (the only carotenoids found in the lens) may be of value in delaying cataract development.
As always, if you are considering either changing your diet to include more foods rich in antioxidants and/or taking vitamin supplements, consult your physician or nutritionist first.
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