Preventing UV Eye Sun Injury Requires Proper Sunglasses

South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI - "It is pretty easy for LASIK and cataract surgery patients to simply forget about eyewear of any type-even UV protective eyewear," noted Ophthalmologist Scott Buck, M.D. "The great majority of patients having LASIK or cataract surgery with advanced lens implants no longer have to think about wearing eyeglasses too much after their eye surgery-thus they often neglect taking the proper precautions and using UV protecting eyewear," Dr. Scott Buck explained.

Optometrist & Contact Lens Specialist Dr. Stephen Buck stressed that "Even when we fit a patient with UV absorbing contact lenses we still want to make sure the exposed areas of the eye and surrounding tissue are protected from excessive sunlight and UV. This requires well fit UV protecting sunglasses," stressed Dr. Stephen Buck. "While wearing UV absorbing contact lenses can protect against most of the risks of "eye sunburn", for other patients-especially the LASIK and cataract surgery patients-they often underestimate their risk of this "photokeratitis", which we call ultraviolet keratitis. This type of eye problem can not only be scary but it is painful and can even possibly be sight threatening," noted Dr. Scott Buck.

"As we get further into the summer months patients really begin to take part in more and more outdoor activities. Water sports, the lake shore, the beaches, hiking-all entail greater UV and sun exposure. The important fact is that your potential UV exposure can depend on the weather as well as your location-so it's helpful to understand the UV Index," shared Dr. Stephen Buck. "I encourage patients to visit the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SunWise information page where they can see their individual UV Index or even downloading the UV Index free mobile app, each of which can help you understand more about your day to day need for proper UV protection."

Sunglasses for UV eye protection should be considered more than simply a fashion accessory. Patients visiting Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser center will find a wide range of UV protecting eyeglass lenses and sunglasses available to choose from. 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 radiation. 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 Transitions® color changing lenses.

To learn more about Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center or the need for UV protection in eyewear, eyeglasses or sunglasses you may call Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center at 866-522-3937, visit http://www.nwindianaeyeandlaser.com/ or http://www.facebook.com/NWIndianaEyeandLaser or follow our eye care blog at http://Indiana-Eye-Cataract-Lasik.blogspot.com.

CONTACT: Kelley Connors, Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center, 502 Marquette Street, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383, Phone: 866-522-3937 or email, Kelley ( @ ) drsbuck dot com

SOURCE: Medical Management Services Group, L.L.C. http://www.aboutcataractsurgery.com http://www.seewithlasik.com