Latest news with #NationalEyeInstitute
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Five-year alert to anyone who owns a pair of sunglasses
Sunglasses aren't just a style statement, and forgetting to maintain them could lead to serious health issues People are just learning that sunglasses can, in fact, 'go off', leaving eyes at risk of permanent eye damage. There are a few warning signs that your sunglasses need replacing or repairing - and they can help you dodge these avoidable health problems. Unlike food, sunglasses don't expire on a set date. Instead, people have a window of a few years with their glasses on average before the UV protection starts to degrade to a point where their eyes aren't as protected against the harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays as much. Eyewear manufacturer Beautaste claims that the passage of time itself isn't to blame. Unavoidable things that lead to daily wear and tear, such as scratches, poor storage, and prolonged exposure to UV rays, all combine to make sunglasses less protective over time. Experts claim that a good pair of resistant sunglasses can, on average, last "anywhere from two to five years, sometimes longer." But just how long your favourite sunglasses last depends on how you use, store, and care for them. A 2016 study from the University of São Paulo suggested replacing sunglasses with UV protection every two years. However, this was under the specific condition of constant, direct sunlight exposure (minimum of two hours a day, every day, for 730 straight days) and most people don't wear sunglasses under such extreme conditions - but the guidance proves the damage the sun's rays can do. To get the most life from your lenses, experts suggest using a hard case when not in use. Stay on top of cleaning the lenses with a microfibre cloth and keep them away from heat and direct sunlight when stored. People should also avoid placing them lens-first on hard surfaces to reduce the risk of damage. Sunglasses primarily work by reducing the amount of visible light and harmful UV rays that reach your eyes. They achieve this through a combination of tinting, which absorbs light, and special coatings, like UV filters, that block ultraviolet radiation. Polarised lenses, specifically, reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water or roads, enhancing visibility in bright conditions. This allows wearers to see more clearly in bright conditions, especially in situations where glare is a major issue (such as driving). According to the National Eye Institute, exposure to UV radiation from the sun can lead to damage that can range from short-term conditions like photokeratitis (sunburned eyes) to long-term issues such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. When should I consider replacing sunglasses? If you notice scratches, cracks, or other visible damage to the lenses, it's a good time to consider replacement. If you notice your eyes feeling strained or more sensitive to light while wearing your sunglasses, it could be a sign that they are no longer providing adequate UV protection as well. If you're in love with the style of your sunglasses, replacing the lenses themselve can be an option. The safest and most effective way to replace your lenses is by visiting an optician who can select the right lenses for your sunglasses and fit them professionally, ensuring that the lenses are installed correctly and continue to protect your eyes. Some sunglasses come with removable lenses, making it easier to replace them at home. However, not all models allow for this, and some may require special tools. If your sunglasses have this feature, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. For people taking this as an opportunity to refresh the style of their sunglasses, experts warn that expensive and designer sunglasses aren't always best for their health. Specsavers claimed that shoppers need to be mindful of "certified UV protection" to keep their eyes safe from damage - and shared this guide of what to look for when picking your next set of shades.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
July is Dry Eye Month at Prevent Blindness with Goal to Raise Awareness and Educate the Public on the Eye Condition
Prevent Blindness provides a variety of free dry eye educational resources including a dedicated webpage, fact sheets and graphics in English and Spanish, expert interviews and informative videos. CHICAGO, June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Prevent Blindness, the nation's leading patient advocacy organization dedicated to preventing blindness and preserving sight, is once again declaring July as Dry Eye Month with the goal to raise awareness and educate the public and healthcare professionals on dry eye. The National Eye Institute states that nearly 16.4 million Americans have dry eye. And, if severe dry eye is not treated, it can sometimes damage the cornea and negatively impact quality of life. Prevent Blindness has created a variety of free dry eye resources including a dedicated webpage, fact sheets and social media graphics available in English and Spanish, and videos, including how to apply eye drops. For the fifth consecutive year, OCuSOFT ® Inc., a privately held eye and skin care company dedicated to innovation in eyelid hygiene and ocular health, is partnering with Prevent Blindness in support of Dry Eye Month. Two featured interviews in the Prevent Blindness Focus on Eye Health Expert Series include: "Dry Eye Disease and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): What You Need to Know" with April Jasper, OD, FAAO, of Advanced Eyecare Specialists. Risk factors for dry eye include: Being more than 50 years old Hormonal changes or medicines that affect hormones Refractive surgery (for example, Lasik) Inflammation of the eyelids Environmental conditions, such as allergies, exposure to smoke, or a dry climate Contact lenses Poor make-up hygiene Medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, rosacea, Sjögren syndrome, and certain other autoimmune diseases Decreased blink rate: Can be caused by frequent computer or device use or occurs in certain diseases, such as Parkinson's Eyelid conditions that cause eyelids to not close completely Extended screen time on digital devices such as a computer, tablet or smart phone Additionally, certain medicines may cause decreased tear production, including antihistamines, decongestants, hormone replacement therapy, antidepressants, and medicines for high blood pressure, acne, birth control, and Parkinson's disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. Women are twice as likely to develop dry eye than men. Women who are pregnant or experiencing menopause are also more likely to have dry eye. "A number of treatment options are available for dry eye that can help address symptoms and save sight," said Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. "We invite everyone to check out our free dry eye resources and make an appointment with an eye doctor to find out what type of treatment is best for them." For more information on dry eye, please visit the Prevent Blindness resource page at Prevent Blindness also offers a free listing of vision care financial assistance services in English and Spanish at: About Prevent Blindness Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness is the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent Blindness touches the lives of millions of people each year through public and professional education, advocacy, certified vision screening and training, community and patient service programs and research. These services are made possible through the generous support of the American public. Together with a network of affiliates, Prevent Blindness is committed to eliminating preventable blindness in America. For more information, visit us at and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube. Media Contact Sarah Hecker, Prevent Blindness, 312.363.6035, shecker@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Prevent Blindness Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Melden Sie sich an, um Ihr Portfolio aufzurufen. Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten
