The Eyes Have It

Everyone is at risk for eye damage from the sun, year round. The greatest risk is between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Those with the highest risk, are the ones outside the most; truck drivers, fishermen, farmers, beach-goers, skiers and others.

UV radiation in sunlight is commonly divided into UVA and UVB, and your sunglasses should block both forms. Look for a label that specifically states that the glasses offer 99 percent to 100 percent UV protection. They should be dark enough to reduce glare, but not distort colors nor affect the recognition of traffic signals.

People who spend long hours outdoors without adequate eye protection can develop photokeratitis, reversible sunburn of the cornea. This painful condition can result in temporary loss of vision. When sunlight reflects off of snow, sand and water, it further increases exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV). These invisible high-energy rays lie just beyond the violet end of the visible light spectrum.

The same harmful rays that damage the skin, can also increase your risk of developing eye problems such as cataracts - a clouding of the eye's lens that develops over years.

Children should also wear real sunglasses, not the toy kind. Polycarbonate lenses are recommended for children because they are the most shatter-resistant.

Many eye (ocular) disorders can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and can be self-treated. Various products such as artificial tears and ointments to decongestants are available OTC for self management. These products help with dryness, itchiness, redness or excessive watering of the eye. However, what may seem like a minor irritation can actually be more serious and leading to blindness. It is imperative that if you use an OTC medicine for more than 72 hours with no improvement or the condition worsens, or if the problem involves the eyeball itself, go to a doctor immediately.

A few common eye problems include: Dry eyes, which usually is white or reddening of the eye, with a sandy, gritty and dry feeling. Dry eye can often be accompanied with excessive reflex tearing. Dry eye is very common, known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and is increasing due to the aging population. It is also more common in women and people are more susceptible if they use antihistamines, antidepressants or diuretics. this is usually teated with OTC drops.

Hordeolum, also known as a sty, is another common eye disorder, that is a tender, raised nodule on the eyelid. It is a irritation of the glands. Hordeolum is usually associated with rosacea. A hordeolum is often caused by the same bacteria as blepharitis. Treatment is usually with hot compresses to the area, several times daily.

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