July is UV safety awareness month
Sunglasses: Your Prescription for Eye Health
Acuity Eye Centre Lahore Pakistan and the American Academy of Ophthalmology urge you to protect your eyes from the sun’s damaging UV rays.
Next time you step outside to enjoy the summer sun, don’t forget to bring a pair of sunglasses. Most people know that the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays are bad for the skin. But did you know that too much sun on unprotected eyes increases the risk of eye diseases? This summer, Acuity Eye Center Lahore Pakistan and the American Academy of Ophthalmology remind you that sunglasses are more than a bold fashion statement, they are a smart health choice.
Long-term exposure to the sun without proper protection can increase the risk of eye disease, including cataract, macular degeneration, growths on the eye, and a rare form of eye cancer. Even short-term exposure can damage the eyes. Sun reflecting off water can cause a painful sunburn on the front part of the eye, called photokeratitis. It causes redness, blurry vision, sensitivity to bright light, and in rare cases, even temporary vision loss.
The good news is that prevention is simple: Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation. When purchasing sunglasses, ophthalmologists – physicians who specialize in medical and surgical eye care – urge the public to choose substance over style, and consider these 6 shopping tips:
- Shop labels. The single most important thing to look for when buying sunglasses is a sticker or tag indicating that they block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation.
- Buy oversized. The more coverage from sunglasses, the less sun damage inflicted on the eyes. Consider buying oversized glasses or wraparound-style glasses, which help cut down on UV entering the eye from the side.
- Don’t be fooled by the color. While very dark lenses may look cool, they do not necessarily block more UV rays.
- Consider your sport. Some sunglasses come with amber, green or gray lenses. They do not block more sun but can increase contrast, which may be useful for athletes who play sports such as baseball or golf.
- Consider polarized lenses. Polarization reduces glare coming off reflective surfaces like water or pavement. This does not offer more protection from the sun but can make activities like driving or being on the water safer or more enjoyable.
- Don’t break the bank! Sunglasses don't have to cost a lot of money to provide adequate eye protection. Less expensive pairs marked as 100 percent UV-blocking can be just as effective as pricier options.
If you doubt your sunglasses have the UV protection claimed by a retail tag or if they are simply old and you want to make sure, take them to an optical shop. Any shop that has a UV light meter can test your sunglasses.
“It’s important to protect your eyes year-round, not just during the summer,” said Dianna Seldomridge, MD, clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “Harmful UV rays are present even on cloudy days. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat also cuts down on exposure. And don’t forget babies and kids. They also need to wear hats and sunglasses.”
Here is the message from our lead consultant Professor Dr. Zia Ul Mazhry,
" Life without eyes is not easy, take care of them. Your eyes are your most important tools – Protect them! You and Your kids need to wear eye-protective glasses because the eyes are vulnerable to any type of UV damage."
آنکھوں کے بغیر زندگی آسان نہیں ہے ، ان کا خیال رکھنا چاہیے۔ آپ کی آنکھیں آپ کے سب سے اہم اوزار ہیں - ان کی حفاظت کریں! آپ کو اور آپ کے بچوں کو آنکھوں کے حفاظتی چشمے پہننے کی ضرورت ہے کسی بھی طرح کی بالائے بنفشی شعاعیں آنکھوں کو نقصان پہنچا سکتی ہیں۔
About the American Academy of Ophthalmology
The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. A global community of 32,000 medical doctors, we protect sight and empower lives by setting the standards for ophthalmic education and advocating for our patients and the public. We innovate to advance our profession and to ensure the delivery of the highest-quality eye care. Our EyeSmart® program provides the public with the most trusted information about eye health. For more information, visit aao.org.
Contact Our Team:
If you are looking for any of below services, please fill the form below, one of our team members will get in to provide you with full facilitation:
1– Comprehensive Primary Eye Exam/ Consultation
Consultation ::: Adult Eye Examination and Consultation
Consultation ::: Children Eye Examination Refraction Consultation
Consultation ::: Infant Eye Examination Refraction Consultation
2-Secondary Follow up Eye Examination and Consultations
Followup ::: Examination under Sedation for Kids (After Initial Consultation)
Followup ::: Dilated Fundus Examination(DFE)
Followup ::: Cycloplegic Refraction and DFE
3-Diagnostic Eye Test
Diagnostic ::: OCT
Diagnostic ::: Angio OCT
Diagnostic ::: Anterior Segment OCT
Diagnostic ::: Pachymetry
Diagnostic ::: Perimetry / Visual Fields
Diagnostic ::: Hess Chart/Digital Squint Assessment/Digital Diplopia Test
Diagnostic ::: Digital Colour vision test
