Sunglasses and Macular Degeneration
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Sunglasses and macular degeneration - no big surprise here. I am sure you know the importance of protecting your eyes from the sunlight - but do you know why? Free Radicals and AntioxidantsRemember, the health of your eye is also an indicator of the health of the rest of your body. One of the largest contributors to aging is the process of oxidation.Unprotected sun exposure produces free radicals, as does pesticides, car exhaust, cigarette smoke and household cleaners. According to Dr. Michael and Marc Rose, authors of Save Your Sight! : Natural Ways to Prevent and Reverse Macular Degeneration 
Sunglasses and macular degeneration are especially relevant because the retinal cells are very vulnerable to the damages of oxidization since they are exposed to ultraviolet light. That is why it is so important to protect our eyes with sunglasses that provide 100% UV-A and UV-B protection.
Blue Blocker SunglassesBlue light is especially damaging to the retina. Blue light waves are wavelengths from 400-500 nanometers and are the waves that give the sky its blue color. Sunglasses that offer protection from blue light, like the Noir glasses are beneficial. Glasses that are tinted orange or amber block blue light. Other colored tinted lenses lets part of the blue spectrum through. However, it is not recommended that you drive with blue light glasses. This type of sunglasses also helps reduce glare and does not make the world darker - so things do appear more visible because of the brightness. They can be worn as: √ wrap around glasses that fit over your regular glasses √ regular frame style as your sunglasses √ clip ons You can purchase blue light glasses at your local optical shop or through special catalogs. If you'd like to learn more or see a selection of blue blocker sunglasses click here: Blue Blocker Sunglasses Wrap Around Sunglasses√ Sunglasses should block all UVA, UVB, and UVC rays.Your glasses should be labeled 100% UV protection. If you are wondering if they are labeled correctly you can bring them to your optician to have them tested. Many Lenscrafter stores will check them for free. √ Look for polarized lenses to reduce glare √ Wrap around frames provide protection from sunlight coming in from the sides of your glasses. Sun rays can enter through the sides of our sunglasses and cause cataract and retina damage as well. The darker the sunglasses, does not necessarily mean that they are better, nor does the fact that some sunglasses are more expensive than others. To see a selection of wrap around sunglasses click here:
Wrap Around Sunglasses
Fit Over SunglassesFit over sunglasses can be worn over your prescription glasses. They are less expensive than buying prescription sunglasses.These over prescription sunglasses come in different sizes to fit different glass frames so you don't need to buy the huge over sized frames. You can find a variety of stylish frames with reflective lenses so that no one can see that you are wearing glasses. To see a selection of fit over sunglasses click here: Fit Over Sunglasses Cocoon SunglassesCocoon sunglasses are a good option for those with macular degeneration or for those who want to prevent it.Their glasses provide UV protection from the front, sides and top. The polarized lenses eliminate glare and you can select your lens color. The amber lens blocks blue light and offers better contrast and depth perception. Click here to learn more:
Cocoon Sunglasses
Visor HatsAnother way to protect your eyes, your macula (and your skin) is by wearing visor hats - wide brimmed visors or hats that keep the sun out of your eyes. Not only will it help protect your eyes from developing macular degeneration and cataracts, it will minimize the glare that interferes with your vision. To learn more and to see a selection of visor hats click here: Visor HatsSpecial Considerations for Eye Protection?If you find yourself in any of these circumstances consider the importance and relationship of sunglasses and macular degeneration.√ Those who work outdoors such as farmers and construction workers √ Those who play outdoors like golfers, runners, tennis players, and beach goers. √ Those who are taking photosensitizing drugs such as tranquilizers, diuretics, oral contraceptives, antibiotics, anti-diabetic and anti-hypertensive drugs medications. √ Those with light colored eyes are even more susceptible to damage from sunlight because they have less melanin, which is a protective factor, in the back of their eyes. √ Those in certain light environments. For example, if you work in an environment which is brightly lit with fluorescent light fixtures or if you spend hours in front of a computer terminal.
Sun Protection Tips√ It is just as important to protect your eyes with sunglasses on a cloudy day as it is on a sunny day.√ The most damaging sun rays occur from 10:00am to 4:00 PM.
Contact Leslie Degner, RN, BSN
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, "An imbalance between free radicals created by oxidation reactions and the antioxidants that neutralize them is one of the common threads of cause and effect this is woven through all the major eye diseases and nearly all of the disabilities and diseases we associate with aging."
