Protect your eyes from sun's rays
By Marty Schneider, OD

The same sun rays that lead to skin cancer and premature aging of the skin are just as bad for your eyes, according to Dr. Marty Schneider, therapeutic optometrist. The culprit is ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Because May is National UV Awareness Month, Schneider encourages everyone to be "Sunwise With Your Eyes."

"Unprotected exposure to UV radiation can cause photokeratitis, which is basically a sunburn of the eyes marked by painful, red eyes and a sensitivity to light," Schneider said.

"The symptoms usually clear up quickly and cause no permanent damage to the eyes."

However, Schneider added, growing evidence suggests that long-term exposure to UV rays can lead to macular degeneration and cataracts, serious eye conditions that can cause vision impairment or loss.

UVB is the midenergy level radiation but is the most damaging to the body and the eye. Certain medications can cause heightened UV sensitivity, including various oral contraceptives, diuretics, tranquilizers, antibiotics and some drugs for diabetes that are taken on a regular basis.

Schneider suggests the following to protect the eyes from serious damage:

•If at all possible, limit time in the sun.

•Wear a wide-brimmed hat.

•Choose contact lenses that offer UV protection.

•Wear sunglasses that filter 99 percent of UV rays.

"Don't forget the children," Schneider said. "Children are especially susceptible to eye damage from the sun. The lenses in their eyes do not block as much UV radiation as in adults. Follow the same precautions as you would for an adult, but be sure to choose sunglasses that fit their smaller faces, have impact-resistant lenses and have lenses large enough to shield the entire eye."

Schneider owns and practices at Camarillo Vision Center, 2460 E. Las Posas, Ste. B, in Camarillo. Call (805) 987-2400.