Both Important – Both Somewhat Challenging to Jostle Between
Getting regular eye exams is very important to make sure that you do not develop any new chronic conditions. Wearing your
glasses is something that we take more advantage of as we age, as the majority of adults require glasses for reading, for driving or for seeing at a distance.
In Florida, we are overly exposed to the sun on a daily basis. Protecting your vision with sunglasses is critical. If you have glasses, juggling between your regular glasses and your sunglasses can be challenging.
Transition lenses have come a long way in the past decade.
Today’s photochromic glasses are available in a rainbow of lens colors and are made with various materials. These lenses contain proprietary dyes that undergo chemical changes and darken when exposed to UV light. Photochromic technology has come a long way since the very first transition lenses, which darkened when silver chloride or silver halide in the glass lens reacted with UV light.1
Pros of transition lenses1
• They are convenient. You can use these glasses under most circumstances, whether indoors or outside.
• They offer continuous UV protection. You will no longer forget your sunglasses or not bother to put them on for a trip outside.
• They won’t get lost as easily. You and your children are less likely to lose glasses when you don’t have two pairs to keep track of.
• They are available in many styles and colors and can meet the prescription needs of most people. If you need shatter-resistant lenses, bifocals, progressives or have other specific needs, there’s almost certainly a photochromic lens for you.
• They can save you money. You may not need to buy prescription eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses as well.
More on Eye Melanoma and Protecting Your Vision
It’s a rare diagnosis, but if your eyes are constantly exposed to UV radiation, your chances of getting a melanoma in the eye are greatly increased. Ocular melanoma tumor cases are uncommon, but about 2,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Living in Florida, we need to be especially conscientious about preventing this form of cancer, due to our excessive exposure to the sun.
Ocular Melanoma (eye tumor/cancer)
Your eye is made up of three stratums, the outer, inner and middle layers. The middle layer is where most melanomas form. They typically occur in the uveal tract, which houses the iris, pupil, muscle fibers and layer of blood vessels that provides nutrients to reach the retina. This layer of blood vessels is called the choroid and is where most intraocular melanomas are found.
During your regular dilated eye exam, an ophthalmologist can usually detect the tumors if they are present. Some of the symptoms of ocular melanoma are a dark spot on the iris (color portioned eye), blurry vision, changes in the size of pupils or their shape, pain, redness, or consistent irritation.
EYE EXAMS ARE ESSENTIAL
The first and most critical step is to see your ophthalmologist for dilated eye exams regularly. Dilated exams are critical for your eye doctor to determine any new or changing vision issues, or in many cases, other disorders can also be detected during an eye exam. Some patients may require eye exams more often if a warning indicator or disorder is being watched for progression.
If you or a loved one have any eye symptoms or are in need of your yearly eye exam, please schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist immediately. Problems with sight, such as macular degeneration, retinal disorders or melanoma need to be addressed and treated as soon as possible. Although the treatment options for ocular melanoma are limited, if caught early on, a resection (removal) of the tumor is the standard of care.
A comprehensive dilated eye exam is critical for all patients. In high-risk patients, they may need the dilated exam several times per year. Don’t delay! The first step is to schedule the examination because early diagnosis can reduce vision loss significantly.
Quigley Eye Specialists, founded in 1988, consists of more than 100 medical professionals, including surgeons, optometrists, retina specialists and technicians. Offices are conveniently located throughout Southwest Florida in Sarasota, Venice, North Port, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Bonita Springs, Naples and Coral Gables.
For more information, call (855) 734-2020 or visit www.QuigleyEye.com.
Quigley Eye Specialists
(855) 734-2020
www.QuigleyEye.com
2529 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
2135 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33948
20600 Veterans Blvd., Port Charlotte, FL 33954
About Quigley Eye Specialists
Technology leaders in eye care, Quigley Eye Specialists is one of the nation’s leading multispecialty ophthalmology practices specializing in cataracts, laser cataract surgery, glaucoma, LASIK, dry eye, eyelid surgery, retinal issues, corneal conditions and routine eye care. As the number one choice for cataract treatment in Southwest Florida, Quigley Eye Specialists is committed to providing the highest level of quality eye care and service to the community. The practice has served the region for more than 30 years and offers patients convenient locations throughout Florida including: Sarasota, Venice, North Port, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Lehjgh Acres, Bonita Springs, Naples, and Coral Gables.
Reference:
1. The American Academy of Ophthalmology, Sunglasses with
Transition Lenses: Pros and Cons, https://www.aao.org/eye-health/
glasses-contacts/pros-cons-of-transitions-lenses