Eyedolatry: sunglasses

Trending Now: Summer 2016 Sunglasses

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Floral Suns

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Medical Benefits of Sunglasses

This blog has a lot of posts dedicated to sunglasses trends, but as an optometrist, wearing sunglasses means more than just a fashion statement. Yes, I recommend sunglasses for ocular protection to my patients. And yes, I truly believe that sun protection is beneficial. If you are still on the fence about why your doctor is recommending sunglasses, here are the top reasons that your eyes do need UV protection!

1) UV light damage increases the risk for vision threatening conditions

Macular Degeneration photo courtesy spectoreye.com

Extended UV exposure has been linked to several eye conditions, the most common of which include macular degeneration and cataracts. While cataracts are not a disease of the eye (see this post for more information), the rate of progression and severity of the cataract greatly increases with sun exposure. Macular Degeneration is a condition that can cause permanent blindness, where sun exposure compounds genetic and nutritional factors to cause permanent damage to the patient's central vision. The damage from harmful UV rays accumulates over a lifetime, so even though macular degeneration is a condition that we see affecting vision later in life, protecting your eyes now can save your sight later.

2) Sunglasses also protect the skin around your eyes and eyelids from harmful UV radiation

This is a point that is easily overlooked, but the skin around our eyes is very sensitive to sun damage as well. There are multiple skin cancers that are common around eyelid skin, the most common of which is basal cell carcinoma (pictured below). Most people are not applying sunscreen so close to their eyes, so wearing sunglasses will give that added protection. If you notice a growth around your eyelid that seems to be increasing in size, changing in color, or scabbing or bleeding, please contact your doctor immediately to rule out a cancerous lesion!

Early basal cell carcinoma photo courtesy willseye.org

3) Sunglasses can actually enhance vision

polarized lenses reduce horizontal surface reflections
photo courtesy findingsun.wordpress.com

A recent study by N3L Optics (a supplier of sports equipment) shows that less than 66% of active outdoor athletes wear consistent sun protection. If the health benefits listed above are not enough to sway your mind, athletes should also consider that polarized sunglasses can enhance their vision for certain outdoor sports. Polarized lenses help filter out annoying glare from horizontal surfaces that can cause eye strain and fatigue in activities like water sports and snow sports. And yes, wearing sunglasses for snow and water sports are even more important due to the added light being reflected from the surface below. UV radiation is now being bounced at your eyes both overhead from the sun and from the ground below you, putting your eyes that much more at risk.

What to look for in sunglasses

Wrapped Oakley frames--great for outdoor
sports due to their full coverage protection

When I recommend sunglasses, I always tell my patients that they don't have to buy an expensive pair to protect their eyes. Almost every pair of sunglasses sold over the counter are 100% UV-A and UV-B blocking. For added protection, choosing a frame that is wrapped closer to your face can prevent those damaging rays from entering through the side of the lenses. Beware, however, because wrapped frames can sometimes cause vision distortion. If you hold your lenses away from your face and look through to a distant straight line, you should not see that line bend or wave through the glasses. If you do, that means that there is some inherent distortion to the lenses. If you are purchasing prescription sunglasses, your eye care provider will be able to tell you if the wrap of the lenses will cause too much visual distortion.

Some contact lenses even have UV protection--look for the information on your contact lens box. Acuvue boxes have a little decal on the bottom front cover.

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Vintage Sunwear Inspirations

sunglasses 9:06

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Eyewear Inspiration: Resort Wear 2012

glasses 19:46

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What is a Cataract?

cataract surgery 11:25

Cataract extraction is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the United States, but based on my experience in patient care, a large percentage of people are unsure of what a cataract actually is. To explore this topic further, let’s address some common misconceptions:

1) Cataracts are NOT a film over the surface of your eye. This is a very common misconception, but cataracts actually develop inside your eye in a structure called the lens (see picture below). The lens functions just like a lens on a camera – it changes shape to focus and create a clear image. Over time this lens can harden and become cloudy, which is the development of a cataract. Just as you would expect, clouding and yellowing of the structure responsible for focusing a clear image results in constant blurry vision.

This picture shows a cross-section of your eye, diagramming the lens which has developed a cataract in this case. The lens is located INSIDE the eye, sitting behind the iris (or the colored part of the eye). Picture courtesy seewithlasik

2) Cataracts are NOT a disease. Most often they are a result of the normal aging process the lens. While aging is the predominant factor for developing cataracts, certain medical conditions like diabetes can predispose someone to developing cataracts sooner than usual. Prolonged use of steroids can also cause cataract formation. It is also possible to born with cataracts which can cause substantial deficiencies in the development on the visual system, so having a comprehensive eye exam is important even for children!

This patient has a nuclear cataract, characterized by yellowing of the lens. This is one of the most common types of cataracts caused by aging, smoking, and UV damage. Picture courtesy drhlis.com

3) I know it is a scary concept to some, but the ophthalmologist performing your cataract surgery will have to enter the eye to remove it. Remember that the lens where the cataract forms is inside of your eye, behind the iris (the colored part of your eye). The surgeon uses very small instruments to enter the eye and remove the cataractous lens. With today’s technical advancements, you don't even have to be put to sleep to have this procedure performed.

4) Once a cataract is removed it can NOT grow back. That’s a relief, right? It is possible that a film can grow over the back of the intraocular implant (a small device that surgeons insert to replace your lens to allow you to focus a clear image again). This film may reduce vision, but you will not have to have a second surgery to remove it. All it takes is a quick laser procedure.

5) Most people DO still need to wear glasses after cataract surgery. While in most cases the goal of surgery is to fully correct your distance vision, the standard intraocular implant inserted to replace your lens is not able to focus for near distances. That means that you will continue to need reading glasses. Depending on your eyes and the surgical outcome, some people may also have left-over astigmatism (which causes blur at all distances) that must be corrected with glasses. There are more expensive intraocular lens devices available that can help focus for both distance and near, but the technology has not been entirely perfected at this time. Researchers are actively exploring this idea though, so expect future breakthroughs.

6) There is NOTHING you can do to entirely prevent yourself from getting cataracts. Yes, that is 100% a true statement. To use the words of a fellow optometrist, “ everyone will get cataracts if they live long enough.” Some people get them younger; some people’s progress more rapidly to reduce vision; some people will never have the cataract bother them enough to want surgery. There ARE some things you can do to slow down the onset and progression of your cataracts, however. Some suggestions:

A) DO wear sunglasses outside. UV light can damage the lens and lead to cataract formation. Studies show that more Americans are applying sunscreen because of the risk UV damage to the skin, but much fewer people responded to wearing sunglasses for UV protection. Your eyes need protection too, and there are a lot of stylish options out there!

Wearing sunglasses is not just a fashion statement , but protects your ocular health and vision. Choose 100% UVA/UVB blocking sunglasses for maximum protection. Plus, there are so many stylish options out there like Gucci 3164 in tortoise above!

B) DON’T smoke. Like you needed any more reasons. Smoking increases the rate and progression of cataracts.

C) DO have yearly eye exams. Tell your doctor about medical conditions like diabetes, Wilson’s disease, and myotonic dystrophy that predispose you to cataracts. Be aware that certain medications (especially steroids) also increase your risk. If you are having blurry vision, it is always best to get it checked out. Cataract surgery is a relatively easy procedure, but in conditions like diabetes, having the cataracts removed earlier may help decrease the surgical risk and improve the outcome of your vision! You don’t want to wait until your vision is drastically impaired.

D) If you are a parent, your children DO need to have their eyes checked as well! Some children are born with vision-threatening conditions like cataracts, and the earlier these problems are caught, the better chance your child has for developing normal vision. Because a child's eyes and visual pathway to the brain are still developing, a cataract in a child can cause permanent vision loss, even after the cataract is removed! Programs like InfantSEE allow free eye exams for children between 6 months and 1 year of age. This is a great way to screen for blinding conditions, so please seek out local providers to see if they are participants!

This child's parents are truly protecting them from dangerous UV damage by using a brimmed hat and sunglasses! You can purchase sunglasses for children and babies through companies like Baby Banz.

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TOMS: Sunglasses on a Mission for Sight

Lions Club 12:08

So often the fashion industry can be pegged as vapid and self-indulgent, but sometimes a company comes along with a mission everyone can be proud to financially support. It all started with TOMS shoes and a company dedication that for every pair of shoes purchased, one will be given to someone in need. Their “One for One” program has been so successful that it is now expanding into the vision world, and as the TOMS website expounds, there is a huge need!

You may be surprised to learn that the largest cause of blindness world-wide is untreated cataracts. In the United States this surgery typically takes between 10-20 minutes and successfully clears vision with a low risk of complications. In developing nations, however, the cost and limited access of medical care leads to cataracts resulting in debilitating blindness. Children in these countries also have difficulty getting routine care even for glasses. Imagine how difficult it is to succeed in school or work with impaired vision, and all you need is a simple pair of glasses to see 20/20. TOMS is now joining the efforts of global vision care services that organizations like the Lions Club have been funding through the years. The result: for every pair of TOMS sunglasses you purchase, one person will receive either cataract surgery, glasses, or any other medical intervention that may be needed. This is a great opportunity to give to others, and don’t forget, by wearing UV protective sunglasses you are protecting your own vision as well!

If you are interested in other ways of getting involved in aiding the visual needs of others, I can’t recommend enough talking with your local Lions Club and donating them your old or unwanted glasses. Many optometrist offices will have drop-off boxes for your convenience.

TOMS shoes are increasingly popular, and hopefully their sunglasses line will be just as successful. I have even seen brides on Style Me Pretty sporting these for a good cause!

TOMS sunglasses come in 3 styles: Classic 101 (left) features a Wayfarer-esque design and they also offer a traditional Aviator (right) that come in multiple color options. All styles are 100% UVA/UVB blocking to protect your eyes from damage that can lead to conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. You are protecting your eyes from damage and aiding another person's vision at the same time; that's a combo that can't be beat!

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Trending Now: Summer 2016 Sunglasses

Floral Suns

Medical Benefits of Sunglasses

Vintage Sunwear Inspirations

Eyewear Inspiration: Resort Wear 2012

What is a Cataract?

TOMS: Sunglasses on a Mission for Sight

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Doctor Recommended

Optometry Podcast

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