July 11, 2019

Sunglasses are arguably one of our favorite summer accessories. There are countless styles and colors available, and we are delighted to be able to offer our patients the benefit of a wide selection of different sunglasses to suit every taste. These range from classic styles to frames that are at the forefront of the latest fashion trends. These are available at our vision clinic in Puyallup, WA.

The importance of UV protection

Sunglasses aren’t just a fashion accessory. They are also the only tool that we have to protect our eyes from the damaging effects of the sun. Virtually everyone knows that the sun emits UV rays that can burn our skin if it is left unprotected. The same effects apply to our eyes. Spending too much time exposed to UV light has been shown to be a contributing factor in the development of a number of serious eye conditions – some of which that can lead to temporary or even permanent vision loss.

Some of the ocular conditions that have been shown to be more common amongst patients whose eyes have been frequently exposed to UV light for prolonged periods include:
 

• Cataracts: a condition in which the patient experiences clouding of the natural lens of the eye, compromising their vision.

• Macular degeneration: This is where the part of the eye known the macula begins to permanently degenerate. Normally this happens with age but can start to occur earlier in people who have had significant UV exposure.

• Photokeratitis: better known as sunburn of the cornea, this painful condition can cause temporary vision loss.

• Pterygium: characterized by a growth on the white of the eye which can then grow enough to obscure patient vision.

• Skin cancer on the upper or lower eyelids.

The best way to prevent these conditions to wear sunglasses whenever you go outside, even on cloudy days. This is because UV light can penetrate cloud cover, putting you at risk of developing eye problems even if there isn’t bright sunshine outside. Make sure you choose a style that protects against 100% UV light – this should be evident on the label, or we will be able to test glasses for you to determine their level of UV protection.

Prescription Sunglasses

If you are currently reliant on prescription glasses, you may be wondering what your options are regarding protecting your eyes. Fortunately, with prescription sunglasses, you don’t need to compromise on the clarity of your vision to protect your eyes. Prescription sunglasses combine your usual prescription lens with a special coating that prevents 100% of UV light penetrating your eyes. This means you can still benefit from perfect vision. We can offer prescription sunglasses in a wide choice of frames, ensuring that there is a style to suit you.
 

If you have any questions about protecting your eyes this summer, or if you are ready to schedule your appointment with our dedicated and professional specialists, please contact our vision clinic in Puyallup, WA today.