Cataracts, the Sun, and Your Eye Health
As summer approaches and you’re getting ready for beach trips and outdoor activities, it’s important to remember that your skin isn’t the only thing that needs sunblock. Your eyes can be subject to more dangers than you may think while spending time outdoors.
Good sunglasses are more than just a fashion statement. Eyes can be damaged by the sun just as easily as skin. When you’re slathering on the sunblock for your kid’s game, don’t forget to protect their eyes and yours as well. From cataracts to color blindness, there are all sorts of issues that can arise when you don’t properly care for your eyes.
An experienced and knowledgeable eye doctor like Dr. Mark Whitten can help correct problems caused by prolonged, unprotected sun exposure. Dr. Mark Whitten not only preforms LASIK surgeries, but also cataract surgeries. Cataract surgeries, according to Dr. Mark Whitten, are relatively “patient friendly” surgeries, requiring little recovery time.
It is especially important to ensure that your children’s eyes are protected, as ocular damage often occurs years before signs appear. Children are especially susceptible to UV rays as they have larger pupils (allowing more light into their eyes), clearer lenses and are outside without eye protection much more frequently and for longer periods than most adults.
Signs of ocular degeneration and cataracts include sensitivity to light, blurry or clouded vision, impaired night vision, and diminished color differentiation especially with the color blue. Dr. Mark Whitten has over 30 years of experience preforming eye surgeries, and offers two variations of cataract surgery.
Early signs of excessive UV exposure can serve as a reminder to wear protective eye wear and limit direct exposure to dangerous UV rays. If your eyes feel tired, sore and gritty after a day at the beach, skiing or boating, you may have experienced UV radiation exposure.
If you have experienced harmful UV exposure, are noticing any diminished vision or other symptoms mentioned previously, contact Dr. Mark Whitten for a consultation and more information on cataract surgeries and other answers to your ocular health questions.
More information can be found on Dr. Mark Whitten’s website.
