Protective sunglasses are more than a fashion statement

As the parade of summer days continues, ophthalmologists at UT Southwestern Medical Center remind everyone to protect their eyes from the sun.

“Sunglasses should be used by adults and children when outdoors for prolonged periods of time. For eyeglass wearers, polycarbonate lenses, which are thin and shatterproof, offer protection from ultraviolet radiation,” says Dr. V. Vinod Mootha, a specialist in cornea, external disease, refractive and cataract surgery.

The surface of the eye and the cornea are particularly vulnerable to the sun’s rays. “Excessive exposure may increase the risk for the formation of a fleshy tissue over the cornea, some forms of cataract and possibly macular degeneration,” Dr. Mootha says.

UV-B exposure is higher on sunny days (especially at noon) and low-ozone days. 

Dr. Mootha says some sunlight is good for you, but common sense should be a guide for limiting your exposure while minimizing the chance of damage to your eyes.

Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/ophth to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in ophthalmology.

July is UV Safety Month.

Media Contact: Russell Rian