July 11, 2005

Protect your eyes from the summer sun

Most people know how to protect their skin from the summer sun but what about eye protection? In honor of UV Safety Month, ophthalmologists at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center are urging people to protect their eyes by wearing sunglasses.

Studies consistently have shown that prolonged exposure to ultraviolet, or UV, rays can cause “sunburn” on the surface of the eye. Similar to skin sunburns, eye sunburns usually disappear within a couple of days. Sometimes, however, these eye sunburns may contribute to the development of various eye disorders, such as age-related macular degeneration – the leading cause of vision loss among older Americans – and cataracts – a major cause of visual impairment and blindness around the world.

So, the eyes’ best defense against the sun is sunglasses. To be effective, sunglasses must be worn every time you are outside for a prolonged period of time, even when it’s gray or overcast. When selecting sunglasses, be sure to buy a pair that blocks 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays. And, don’t be fooled by the price of sunglasses. They don’t have to be expensive to offer the right kind of UV protection. In fact, many $10 sunglasses provide equal if not greater protection than $100 sunglasses.

During the summer months, the sun’s rays are three times stronger than they are in the winter. The rays also are at their greatest intensity at midday (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) or when reflected off water, snow or pavement.

If you are in need of a great pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes during all your summer activities, stop by the Optical Shops at the Kellogg Eye Center.

Now through Labor Day, the optical shops are offering a 50 percent discount on all non-prescription sunglasses and sunglass frames, including designers Coach, Kenneth Cole and Ralph Lauren. No other discounts apply. Kellogg opticians are on hand to help you select the style and shape that suits you best. For more information on this sunglass sale, contact the Optical Shop in Ann Arbor (on the first floor of the Kellogg Eye Center) at 734.764.5144; in Brighton at 810.844.2576; and in Canton (inside the Canton Health Center) at 734.844.3251.

Contact: Aimee S. Bergquist, 734.763.4660, aimeesb@umich.edu