IQ Lasik Blog.com

The beach, the backyard pool and even the ski slopes are very inviting but eye damage can be just around the corner. The most immediate danger is photokeratitis, a painful type of corneal sunburn linked to the bright sunlight reflected off water, sand and snow. Reflected sunlight can double the exposure of harmful UV rays. Long-term exposure to UV light can lead to cataracts, skin cancer around the eyelids and even damage to the retina.

Ultraviolet damage is cumulative. Exposure to UV light, wind, and dryness can cause pingueculas. These are abnormal, but usually non-cancerous, growths on the white part of the eye near the nose. They can start in the teen years or early adulthood and can grow onto the front part of the cornea, possibly requiring surgical removal. Protection from UV exposure and wind starting early in life can help reduce the incidence of these growths. It is estimated that 80% of lifetime absorption to UV light occurs before the age of 18. Unfortunately, a recent survey found that a high percentage of parents are unaware of the potential for damage and rarely protect their children’s eyes.

Sunglasses with UV protection can help boost the eyes’ ability to filter out the damaging rays.  However, sunglasses that do not block UV rays should be avoided. Sunglasses shade the eyes from the bright sun and cause the pupils to dilate somewhat. If the UV rays are not blocked by the lenses, more UV enters the eyes that if no lenses are worn.

Guidelines for selecting sunglasses for your child:

• Sunglasses should block 99% to 100% of both types of ultraviolet rays: UV-A and UV-B. Be wary of labels that claim a product blocks harmful UV without specifying exactly what amount of UV rays they block.
• Select sunglasses that suit children’s active lifestyles. Lenses should be impact resistant and the frames should be bendable, unbreakable and/or have snap-on temples. Polycarbonate is the most impact resistant material available and the best choice for active children. Children’s sunglasses should never be made of glass.
• Check the lenses carefully for scratches, bubbles and distortions. Here’s an easy test for non-prescription lenses: hold the glasses away from your eyes and look through the lenses at a good horizontal or vertical line, such as a window frame. If the line appears wavy instead of straight, the glasses may actually make it more difficult to see (although some distortion may be seen with prescription lenses for corrective purposes).
• Have your child try on the sunglasses before making a purchase. The lenses should be large enough to shield the eyes from most angles (above, below and either side) and to block light that enters in around the frames. The sunglasses should also fit snugly against the bridge of the child’s nose in order to reduce the amount of sunlight that enters the eyes.
• Check the sunglasses periodically to make sure they fit well and are not damaged. Children often don’t complain about their vision even when there is a problem. A regular check of their glasses is a good idea.
• Fashion should be the last thing you think about when buying sunglasses. Look at the amount of UV protection, lens quality, and durability to assure that you buy
  the right sunglasses for your child.

If you have questions or concerns, always consult your eye doctor.

The answer mostly depends on you but all contact lenses reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the clear front surface of the eye (the cornea) and thereby increase the risk of eye problems to some degree.  Potentially serious contact lens complications include corneal abrasions, eye infection (including Acanthamoeba keratitis and fungal eye infections), dry eyes and corneal ulcers.  Some of these complications can cause permanent vision loss.

Your best defense against eye damage from contact lens wear is to follow the advice of your optometrist or ophthalmologist about how long to wear your contacts and how frequently you should replace them.  Your eye doctor will also tell you how long you can wear your lenses safely and whether your eyes can tolerate using extended wear contacts on a continuous basis or if you should wear contact lenses only for limited periods during the day.

Also, be sure to care for your lenses as directed, and use only the contact lens solutions your eye doctor recommends.  If there is a chance you might not keep up the daily lens care, ask about daily disposable contacts or you should consider Lasik. 

To avoid serious contact lens-related eye problems, ask yourself this three-part question at the start of each day of contact lens wear:

Do my eyes look good, see good and feel good?

1.  If your eyes are red or bloodshot, you may be developing dry eyes or an eye infection from your contacts.
2.  If your vision is not as clear as it once was, your lenses may be dirty, or your eyes may be swollen from lack of oxygen.
3.  And if your eyes are uncomfortable, you may have a corneal abrasion, the beginnings of a corneal ulcer, dry eyes or an eye infection.

If your daily self-assessment suggests you have a contact lens-related eye problem, remove your lenses immediately and call your eye doctor for an urgent appointment. If you do have an eye problem caused by your contacts, the sooner it is evaluated and treated by an eye care professional, the better.