As we embark on more outdoor adventures this summer, it is important to have UV protection and eye protection.
By Dr.Shilpa Rose
Summer is my favorite time of the year. As a mom of two young and very active boys, we spend a lot of time with sports and other outdoor activities the entire season. Just like every mom, I am constantly reminding my kids to use sunscreen, wear hats, and to take breaks in the shade. Sound familiar?
As much as I love spending time under the sun with my kids, the ophthalmologist in me (and the nagging mom) is also always cautious about the effects of UV rays and potential sun damage to the eyes.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology designates May as “Healthy Vision Month.” Right up my alley! It seems like such an obvious statement to say that sight is the most vital of our senses, but many of us take for granted that we need good vision not only to enjoy our daily activities, but also to fulfill our personal and occupational goals. In short, we need our eyes.
Eyes are the window to our overall health. It may surprise you to know that a thorough eye examination by your ophthalmologist can help detect a variety of diseases such as Diabetes, Hypertension, Cancer, Infections, High Cholesterol and even Stroke. Through your eyes, your doctor has a view of your blood vessels and can detect serious conditions that you may not know you have. Yes, through your eyes.
I’ve been an ophthalmologist for almost 20 years, and as a physician eye specialist I often find that many people believe they only need to see an eye doctor if they have trouble with their vision after wearing glasses or contacts. But in fact the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends eye exams as early as age 40. An eye exam not only helps you to see better, but is essential for everyone, regardless of your current vision.
I am excited about the advances in research and newer technologies that now allow eye doctors to treat many conditions earlier, improving sight and quality of life. Now, if caught early, glaucoma (loss of peripheral vision and blindness) can be treated simply with eye drops. I also look for important diseases of the eyes such as macular degeneration (loss of central vision – by the way, smoking is the number one risk factor for developing this disease); cataracts (clouding of the natural lens); and dry eyes.
Let me talk about cataracts for a minute here. Cataracts are inevitable, like gray hair and wrinkles, but can be corrected with surgery. The surgeon can remove the existing lens and replace it with lens implants. Newer implants can now correct for reading and astigmatism.
What concerns me most is “Dry Eye Disease” because it is becoming more common as the use of digital devices increases. It’s an extremely under diagnosed condition that can lead to vision problems and discomfort. Many patients ask me about computer use and their eyes, and my answer is, “How about a device-free day? ” Digital devices have been proven to cause dry eyes and Meibomiam Gland Dysfunction (which forms healthy tears) especially in kids. Dry eyes can be also be caused by age, hormone status, lifestyle, environmental exposure, contacts lens use, and medications. New treatments exist to improve the quality of tear production and maintain a healthy ocular surface. A healthy diet and supplements with omega3s are extremely beneficial for keeping your eyes comfortable and healthy.
In terms of the newest technology, well we have all heard about LASIK, an extremely safe surgery to correct refractive errors that prevent you from being able to see things in the distance, and eliminate the need for contacts and glasses. But now there is a newer procedure, the Raindrop Near Vision Inlay which can help people in their 40s become less dependent on reading glasses. SMILE is a newer refractive procedure for those who need a smaller incision.
I truly believe that “Healthy Vision Month” can be accomplished with awareness and proper eye exams. I know I am repeating myself, but as we embark on more outdoor adventures this summer it is important to have UV protection and eye protection for sports and recreational activities.
I’m looking forward fun in the sun with my boys this summer. Now if only I could get them to stop rolling their eyes about the sunscreen.
(Dr. Shilpa Rose is a board certified ophthalmologist at Whitten Laser Eye in Washington, D.C. www.whittenlasereye.com. For interview requests, please contact info@msmediatv.com.)