Sunday, September 1, 2024
During the summer season, it is important to remember to take extra precautions to maintain your physical health, including your eyes.
The light and heat of the sun occur because of the ultraviolet (UV) radiation it emits, which becomes more intense in the summer.
Without the proper protection, UV radiation can burn the surface of your skin, which is a reaction commonly known as a sunburn and can negatively impact the eyes in several types of ways.
Local optometrist at Vision Concepts, Dr. Joshua McCown, O.D. expressed, “My main recommendation for keeping our eyes healthy is protection from harmful UV rays by using hats and sunglasses that have a UV blocking coating on them.”
If your eyes get exposed to an excessive amount of UV radiation, it could develop higher risks of certain conditions. The conditions include corneal sunburn, skin cancers on the eyelids and around the eyes, conjunctival cancers in the eyes, or macular degeneration, which is a condition involving UV damage to the central area of the retina.
Even though wearing the right gear is helpful when keeping your eyes safe from the sun, it is also crucial to sustain a healthy diet.
“Eating dark leafy greens and ingesting omega-3s from things like salmon and fish oil are great nutrients for your eyes,” McCown said.
According to the Beverly Hills Institute of Ophthalmology, “Studies show consuming omega-3 fatty acids, whether in foods you eat or in a supplement, may help reduce your risk of developing macular degeneration and glaucoma. Research also shows not only can omega-3 fatty acids help reduce your risk of developing dry eyes, but it also helps treat bothersome symptoms as well.”
“As far as how often to get your eye health checked, every year is recommended or more often if your eye health provider deems it necessary,” McCown said. “If you think you are having any type of eye problem, it’s better to not wait until your yearly exam and get things checked out sooner, particularly if someone is noticing new flashing lights, floating spots, or a curtain that appears to fall over their vision.”
