Protect Eyes from UV radiation and dry eye damage

PRLog (Press Release) - Jan. 24, 2013 - Protecting your eyes while outside during the winter falls into two categories: UV radiation and ocular dryness. We normally associate the need for sunglasses during the summer. But did you know that snow reflects 85% of the sun's radiation? While sand and concrete reflect approximately 25%. And if you think the higher amount of cloudier days in the winter will protect you; think again.  A thin cloud cover only reduces UV radiation between 20-40%.

If you’re not wearing the right eye protection, especially people with fair or light colored eyes who are at higher risk, you can actually "sun burn" your eyes.  The outer layer of the eyeball known as the cornea; is similar to the outer layer of your skin. When it is burned by the sun’s rays, the cornea becomes inflamed ( called keratitis) which can be quite painful and can cause temporary blindness. Like sunburns to the skin; burning your cornea causes cumulative damage. Eye issues like cataracts, skin cancer of the eyelids and melanoma in the retina are all possible risks from sun-damaged eyes. I cannot stress the importance of protecting outside workers against both UVA and UVB rays. Remember reflected UV radiation is just as damaging as direct UV radiation.

In January the average daytime temperatures in Chicago are between 18 & 31 degrees. If you add a 5 mile an hour wind the temperature on your unprotected eyes is between 13 and 19 degrees, with frostbite occurring in less than 30 minutes (NOAA's latest wind-chill (http://www.wecare4eyes.com/windchill.htm) chart). It takes less than 1 hour outside for the eye's tear film to be disrupted and possible ocular surface damage. Dry eye (http://www.wecare4eyes.com/dryeye.htm)  conditions can develop whether you’re shoveling snow, going for a walk, skiing or snowboarding

Solutions: wrap style frames in metal, plastic, and nylon materials, not to mention various dark grey lenses colors and mirror coatings, will help protect your eyes while outside.  By adding Optifog you increase the safety factor.  I recommend that you use natural tears such as Blink after you've finished your outside activities.

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