Ultraviolet rays are known to cause various skin diseases, but did you know they can also affect your eyes? According to the 2016 UV Protection Report from The Vision Council, more than 1/3 of adults have experienced problems from UV exposure.
The Stats
The study stated that only 39% of adults wear sunglasses outside. Of the participants, 65% were more concerned about fit, while 54% are more concerned about the price tag. When it comes to UV protection, only 44% look for the right type of sunglasses from their eye care clinic in Brooklyn, New York.
Everybody is at risk for eye diseases caused by UV rays. Dark sunglasses are not enough to protect your eyes from UV. In fact, they can actually be worse than not wearing sunglasses. Dark sunglasses cause the pupils to dilate, increasing retinal exposure to unfiltered UV.
UV Awareness According to Age Group
The UV Protection Report segmented the population according to age group:
- Children – They receive three times the annual exposure to the sun than adults do, increasing risks to UV-related problems. Twenty-nine percent of the parents reported that they make their children wear sunglasses.
- 20s – Millennials mostly focus on fashion instead of UV protection. Of the young participants, 55% never, rarely, or sometimes wear shades.
- 30s – People at this age have already experienced some negative symptoms related to UV exposure. This is why they wear sunglasses more often compared with other age groups.
- 40s – According to the study, more than 2/3 keeps their sunglasses with them because they have already felt the effects of UV rays in their eyes.
- 50s – At this age, mostly everyone experience vision changes, so they are more concerned about protecting eye health.
- 60s – Of the seniors included in the study, 35% were concerned about vision loss, while 26% are not aware of the effects of UV to eye health.
UV-Related Problems Prevented by Proper Eye Care
Through a comprehensive exam and proper eye protection from your eye specialist in Brooklyn, NY, you can prevent these eye problems:
- Photokeratitis – Also known as sunburn of the cornea or snow blindness, this is a painful but not permanent eye issue.
- Pterygium – This is an abnormal or benign growth on the surface of the eye, usually related to sun, wind, and sand exposure.
- Age-related macular degeneration – This is one of the leading causes of blindness in the state. Exposure to UV rays at an early age can initiate aging events that lead to this type of disease.
- Cataracts – According to the World Health Organization, up to 20% of cataracts cases are related to UV radiation.
For proper eye care in Brooklyn, NY, trust Park Slope Eye. We have been helping patients on their sunglasses and eye exam needs since 2008. We take the time to educate our patients about their eye health and provide the necessary solutions.
To learn more about eye health, call us at (347) 380-7070. We will be happy to schedule an appointment with you.
