The Sunglasses Scene

Article Summary:

The article below is a well written and informative article explaining macular degeneration and tips on how to prevent it in relationship to the type of sunglasses you wear. Sunlight is one of the three main culprits in leading to this eye disease.

Sometimes we think that because we have bought our dark pair of Marc Jacobs aviator sunglasses that our eyes are protected. Read this article to learn about the benefit of wrap around sunglasses, and the importance of polarization.

If you wear prescription eye glasses, you can find right sized fit over sunglasses.

And, something as simple and inexpensive as a visor hat can go along way to protecting the eyes from the sun. Do you know the worst times of the day for exposure to the sun and damage to the eyes? And what should you do if it’s cloudy outside? Read on.

Sunglasses and Macular Degeneration – Protect Your Eyes

By Leslie Degner

One of the largest contributors to damage to our corneas and macula, the center of the retina, is the process of oxidation. Free radical formation is the result of normal chemical reactions in the body called oxidation which then leaves the body with thousands of unbalanced electrons. These unstable electrons cause damage to our cells and especially the macula where there is a lot of oxidation.

“Almost every single one of the risk factors we have for macular degeneration can be linked to free radicals.”

Lylas Mogk, M.D. Visual Rehabilitation and Research Center of Michigan.

Many of the risk factors that contribute to the development of macular degeneration (AMD) can be tied to free radicals and the damage they cause. Sunlight, smoking, and environmental toxins all contribute to oxidation and free radical damage to our corneas and to our retinas.

Wrap Around Sunglasses

Wrap around frames provide protection from sunlight coming in from the sides of your glasses. Sun rays can enter through the sides of our sunglasses and cause cataract and retina damage as well. Sunglasses should block all UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. Your glasses should be labeled 100% UV protection. If you are wondering if they are labeled correctly you can bring them to your optician to have them tested. Many Lenscrafter stores will check them for free.

Look for polarized lenses to reduce glare. The darker the sunglasses, does not necessarily mean that they are better, nor does the fact that some sunglasses are more expensive than others.

Fit Over Sunglasses

Fit over sunglasses can be worn over your prescription glasses. They are less expensive than buying prescription sunglasses. These over prescription sunglasses come in different sizes to fit different glass frames so you don’t need to buy the huge over sized frames. You can find a variety of stylish frames with reflective lenses so that no one can see that you are wearing glasses.

Visor Hats

Another way to protect your eyes, your macula (and your skin) is by wearing visor hats – wide brimmed visors or hats that keep the sun out of your eyes. Not only will the visor help protect your eyes from developing macular degeneration and cataracts, it will minimize the glare that interferes with your vision.

It is just as important to protect your eyes with sunglasses on a cloudy day as it is on a sunny day. However, the most damaging sun rays occur from 10:00am to 4:00 PM. Those who work outdoors such as farmers and construction workers and those who play outdoors like golfers, runners, tennis players, and beach goers need to protect their eyes consistently to protect their corneas from developing cataracts and their retinas from developing macular degeneration.

To learn about other things you can do to prevent macular degeneration go to:

http://www.webrn-maculardegeneration.com/macular-degeneration-prevention.html.

Leslie Degner is a registered nurse with over 20 years or R.N experience. Macular degeneration is the number one cause of legal blindness in our senior population. Take a moment to find out if you are at risk for developing this retinal disease and what steps can be taken to prevent it by visiting http://www.WebRN-MacularDegeneration.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Leslie_Degner
http://EzineArticles.com/?Sunglasses-and-Macular-Degeneration—Protect-Your-Eyes&id=5055325

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