Are Sunglasses a Critical Investment to Save Sight? What You Need to Know

Dr. Katia Taba, Board-Certified Ophthalmologist and Retinal Specialist

The American Academy of Ophthalmology published an article, Seven Myths About Sunglasses That Could Damage Your Vision.1 Below is the following information that Dr, Taba of Personalized Retina Care of Naples believes every patient should know to protect vision and ensure eye health during the sunny Florida days.

Did you know that too much sun on unprotected eyes increases the risk of eye disease? The good news is that prevention is simple: Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. But there are a lot of common myths about sunglasses and eye health. That’s why the AAO is working to debunk the myths and offer tips to promote smart eye health choices.

Myth #1: Sunglasses are only for sunny days
False. UV light gets through clouds and haze. Regardless of the season, sun exposure can increase the risk of developing cataracts, growths on the eye surface and even eye cancer. Sun reflecting off ice and snow can also lead to photokeratitis, a painful eye condition sometimes referred to as snow blindness.

Myth #2: Babies and children don’t need to wear sunglasses
False. Children are just as susceptible to the sun’s harmful rays as adults. Start them on healthy habits early.

Myth #3: Cheap sunglasses don’t offer protection
False. Sunglasses don’t have to cost a lot of money to provide adequate eye protection. Less expensive pairs marked as 100 percent UV-blocking can be just as effective as more expensive options. Labels can sometimes be confusing. Some indicate sunglasses offer 100 percent protection from UVA/UVB radiation, others offer 100 percent UV 400 protection. Both block 100 percent of the sun’s harmful radiation.

Myth #4: Size doesn’t matter
False. The more coverage sunglasses provides, the less sun damage inflicts on the eyes. Consider oversized sunglasses or wrap around-style glasses, which can help cut down on UV light entering the eye from the side of the glasses. Wrap around glasses may also protect against dry eyes from the wind.

Myth #5: Polarized lenses offer more protection from the sun
False. Polarized lenses do not block more radiation; however, they can cut down on glare reflecting off cars, water or pavement, which can make activities such as driving or boating more enjoyable.

Myth #6: Darker lenses offer more protection from the sun
False. The darkness of the lens isn’t indicative of protection. Make sure the label on the lens says 100% UV-blocking.

Myth #7: Tinted lenses offer more protection from the sun
False. Amber, green and grey lenses do not block more of the sun’s harmful rays. However, tinted lenses do offer increased contrast for those who play sports, making a softball or a golf ball easier to see.

Personalized Retina Care of Naples
If you are experiencing any changes in your eye health, whether it’s blurry vision, pain, impaired vision, or any other eye irregularities, it’s imperative that you see an ophthalmologist right away. The earlier disease or disorders are detected, the better the outcome and treatment options are for you.

Personalized Retina Care of Naples provides incomparable diagnosis, medical and surgical treatment for retinal conditions and disorders.

Katia Taba, MD, is the board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship trained in surgical and medical retinal diseases at Personalized Retina Care of Naples in Naples, Florida. Dr. Taba treats macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, eye floaters and flashes, and any other serious eye problems that can interfere with sight or steal your vision silently. Patients know Dr. Taba as an extremely friendly and welcoming eyecare provider. She has saved the eye sight and even the life of many patients through her professionalism.

Dr. Taba earned her medical degree at a leading medical school in Brazil and continued specialized vitreoretinal surgery training in the United States. She has trained and worked under the leading experts in the field of ocular disease in Florida, New York, California, Louisiana, and many other locations in the U.S.

To find out more, or to schedule your appointment, please call (239) 325-3970 today.

Personalized Retina Care of Naples
www.retinanaples.com | 239-325-3970

3467 Pine Ridge Rd., Suite 103, Naples 34109

References:
AAO, American Academy of Ophthalmology, Seven Myths About Sunglasses That Could Damage Your Vision
July 24, 2020, https://www.aao.org/newsroom/news-releases/detail/
seven-myths-about-sunglasses-could-damage-vision