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For some, sunglasses are a fashion statement. For others,
they are a safety feature.
Most cells in our body replenish themselves, but the lens
in our eye is a notable exception. The cells of the lens of
the eye cannot replace themselves. Exposure to the sun's
ultraviolet rays (UV) occurs over a lifetime, and because
the body cannot undo the damage that occurs over a lifetime,
infants and children should have their eyes protected as
well.
Recent studies indicate that the risk of cataracts (the
gradual clouding of the lens of the eye) is tripled by
long-term exposure to the sun's UV rays. In addition to the
lens, the retina may also be damaged by UV rays. People with
macular degeneration and other retinal disease need to take
special care.
"Most people wear sunglasses to reduce glare," says
Thomas Oetting, M.D., UI Health Care ophthalmologist. "Even
more important is the long-term UV protection the right
sunglasses provide. Sunglasses that block 100 percent of the
sun's UV radiation may slow the development of cataracts.
Check the tag on sunglasses to see how much protection they
afford you before you buy them."
Not all sunglasses are created equal. Price and degree of
darkness of the lenses may not be good indicators of the UV
protection. Unless your sunglasses provide UV protection,
they may do more harm than good. Dark lenses without UV
protection may cause your pupils to dilate allowing even
more UV rays into the eye.
Wear sunglasses when you go outside and be both cool and
smart at the same time.
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For more information:
Listed above are Web sites that offer additional
information on this topic. University of Iowa Health Care
does not sponsor or endorse these sites, or guarantee the
accuracy of the information contained on these sites. These
links are here for general information only, and should not
be used for personal diagnosis or treatment. If you have any
questions, please contact UI
Health Access.
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