Take Care of Your Eyes with North Oaks Eye Care Clinic

Summer activities often require safety accessories for all of us. Whether it's life jackets, sports gear or sunscreen, Dr. Addie Smith, an Optometrist at the North Oaks Eye Care Clinic, reminds you that there are also several ways to protect your eyes.

Protecting your eyes from the sun's invisible and harmful Ultraviolet (UV) rays is important. "UV exposure is known to cause many chronic eye conditions and can damage the skin of the eyelid as well as the cornea, lens and other parts of the eye," says Smith.

Protecting the skin around the eyes from visible sunlight is equally important. Sunglasses are an ideal accessory for preventing visible UV damage, such as premature aging and skin cancers, and invisible damage, like cataracts, pterygiums, ocular cancer and macular degeneration.

Sunglasses also protect your eyes from physical injuries. It is estimated that 90% of physical eye injuries are preventable. Outdoor enthusiasts of any age or anyone doing outdoor work should utilize sunglasses as a form of safety eyewear.

Polycarbonate is the most impact-resistant and lightweight lens material available and can be used in a prescription or non-prescription pair of lenses. It is offered in many tint colors as well as a clear lens for indoor garage work, woodworking and DIY projects.

Several sunglass features can significantly improve your vision and safety during these activities. One of the best options that sunglass lenses can offer is called polarization. Polarization describes a manufacturing process that enables the lenses to block the glare from any shiny, flat or smooth surface. This eliminates glare from the water, roads, oncoming cars and building reflections.

Sun Wear & Safety Glasses Tips:

• Don't be fooled by the clouds. The sun's rays can pass through the haze of a gloomy day.
• Lighter-colored eyes can be more sensitive to light.
• Take special care at peak sun times. It's best to avoid exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun's UV rays are the strongest.
• Choose sunglasses that wrap all the way around your temples so the sun's UV rays can't enter from the side.
• The lens of the child's eye transmits 70% MORE UV than the adult eye, which puts their retina at more risk for damage! It's never too early (or late) to introduce the habit of wearing sunglasses to your children.

The North Oaks Eye Care Clinic staff is skilled at helping patients navigate sun and safety eyewear features, including fit, style, quality, customization and cost. To schedule an appointment with our North Oaks Eye Care Clinic, call (985) 230-EYES (3937) or visit www.northoaks.org/eyecare.

Dr. Addie Smith is an Optometrist specializing in examining and measuring the refractive power of the eyes. She can prescribe corrective lenses or medications for many medical conditions of the eye, such as diabetes, glaucoma or infections.