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Protect Your Eyes from Sun Damage
UV rays are
invisible, high-energy rays of light that, if absorbed by your
eyes, can cause
or enhance several eye ailments. This happens because the UV light can cause a
reaction in our eye tissue. And once it occurs, it cannot be reversed.
The UV rays can
play a large role in the following eye diseases:
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Cataract –
Clouding of the eye; causes blurring or dimming of vision – UV rays are
the largest culprit in the formation of cataracts
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Pteryguim –
Tissue growth on the whites of eyes; can block vision
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Skin cancer – Eyelids and facial skin can develop melanoma
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Age-related
macular degeneration – Deterioration of the eye’s macula (sensitive
center of the retina
Preventing
sunburn
Taking care of your
eyes should be a top concern for all no matter the time of the year, but
especially during the hot summer months of June, July and August.
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Sunglasses
provide one of the best sources of UV protection. In order to properly protect
your eyes, choose sunglasses that over at least 95 percent UV protection.
Also, choose a lens tint that blocks 80 percent of transmissible light, but no
more than 90-92 percent of light because lens tint does not protect you from
UV rays, and can affect your ability to see correctly. Large lenses that fit
close to the eyes are best. Those that block visible blue light are even
safer.
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Top your head
with a hat
The simple
combination of a hat and sunglasses can give you all the
protection you
need to protect those baby blues.
Ordinary sunglasses make the situation WORSE! The dark
lenses cause the pupils to dilate, allowing more of the dangerous UVA
radiation to damage the lens and the retina.
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Treatment for Sunburn:
There are some strategies for helping you survive the crisis:
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If your burn hurts, soak it for five minutes in cold
(not ice) water or apply cold compresses. This will provide immediate relief
and lessen your swelling.
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Avoid greasy substances. They "seal" in the heat
and cause further damage.
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Avoid cooling lotions with menthol or camphor. They
feel good, but can cause allergic reactions. First aid sprays with benzocaine
can cause similar reactions and are not advised.
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If your sunburn causes blisters, swelling and oozing
of fluid, it is a second degree burn. See a practitioner. Do not use lotions
or creams on the burn. To avoid infection, do not break blisters or peel
skin.
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Take a pain reliever of your choice, such as
acetaminophen (Tylenol), for discomfort.
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Drink plenty of fluids.
Unlike the Red blood cells, the cells of the lens of
the eye are never replaced; the proteins of the lens are never replenished. The
lens cannot repair itself; damage accumulates over a lifetime.
Dated 06 April 2013
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