Grand View Eye Center’s Retina Specialist, Dr. Nigam Promotes Summer Eye Health

IRONWOOD, MI - Friday, July 23, 2010 - Summer is a time where many people are outside enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. While many people remember to put on their sun block, or long sleeve clothes to protect their skin from the harmful rays of the sun, it is important to think about eye protection. The American Academy of Ophthamology stresses the importance eye protection during the sunny days of summer. Dr. Nitin Nigam, M.D., Retina Specialist at the Grand View Eye Center, suggests taking a few steps to ensure that your eyes are properly protected from the effects of the summer sun.

Wearing sunglasses and wide brimmed hats are the first defense against eye damage from ultra violet (UV) light. Dr. Nigam recommends selecting sunglasses that offer 100% UV rays and UV-B ray protection. In addition to sunglasses, it is recommended that you wear a broad-brimmed hat to offer greater protection to your eyes. Failure to protect your eyes from bright sunlight may increase your risk of developing cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and growths on the eye, including cancer.

Dr. Nigam also recommends that you do not rely on contact lenses with UV protection as your only means of protection. Sunglasses should still be worn in addition to UV protecting contact lenses. Remember to wear the proper eye protection on cloudy days. Just because it is cloudy or hazy out, the sun’s rays can pass through haze and thin clouds. Dr. Nigam suggests wearing sunglasses whenever you are outside during peak sun times. UV light is most intense in the early afternoon and at higher elevations, so plan accordingly.

Sunlight can effect people of all ages, so don’t forget to protect children. Protect their eyes with sunglasses and hats. If possible, try to limit their activity in the sun between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest.