Maine Ultraviolet (UV) Eye Protection Awareness Month

Eyecare Medical Group wishes to announce that Prevent Blindness America has designated May as National Ultraviolet Eye Awareness Month. “Most people know the harmful effects that ultraviolet (UV) rays can have on the skin but many are not aware of the damage that they can cause to the eyes. Possibly the most frightening aspect of UV damage is that it is cumulative, meaning the negative effects may not present themselves until years later”, said Jordan Sterrer, M.D. of Eyecare Medical Group in Portland, Maine. “Most people do not know or appreciate the ultraviolet (UV) from the sun can cause significant damage to eye health and vision.”

“We know that extended exposure to UV has been linked to many eye problems and in some cases thought to quicken the onset of eye diseases such as cataracts, age related macular degeneration (AMD), certain cancers on the delicate skin around the eye and even photokeratitis, a type of sunburn of the cornea”, said Maine Corneal Specialist Ravi Shah, M.D. of Eyecare Medical Group.

“Most of us wouldn’t dream of staying outside in the sun or participating in water sports without putting on sunscreen lotion,” commented Bruce Cassidy, M.D. “But we also need to remember to wear both UV-blocking lenses and a brimmed hat to protect our eyes as well.”

Eye protection from UV needs to be complete but doesn’t have to be overly expensive. High quality sunglasses should block out 99-100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B rays. It is also important to have UV protection in everyday eyewear which is readily available with a number of UV blocking eyeglass lens materials, specialized coatings and photochromic lenses. Patients are encouraged to discuss the proper choice of sunglasses with their eye care practioner in order to select UV protecting eyewear that provides the proper level of protection.

Eyecare Medical Group will be pleased to answer your questions about UV protection and eye disease and be happy to suggest many high quality eyewear outlets that can help you with the proper eyewear and lens choices. Eyecare Medical Group can be reached Toll Free at 888.374.2020.