Vision Health Month

PAG E 4 VISION HEALTH M O N T H PAG E 7 Put on those shades. I n recent years, we've become more conscious about the Ultraviolet (UV) Index. As the earth's ozone layer has become increasingly depleted by the effects of chlorofluorocarbons and other damaging halogenated substances, UV Index readings have steadily increased. Consequently, doctors have advised the public to protect themselves from those damaging UV rays by wearing sunscreen and hats — and staying out of the sun during peak potency times, which are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Doctor of Optometry Gillian Robinson, of 20/20 Eye Care, says people need to make a habit of adding another component to their sun protection arsenal: a pair of sunglasses. "They don't even have to be an expensive pair," says Robinson. Check the labelling on them — if it says the lenses are UV 400, those sunglasses will be effective in protecting your eyes. Those who have lighter-coloured eyes should be even more careful about wearing sunglasses if they haven't been, as their eyes don't have as much pigment in the iris to filter light out. More gets in, which can cause damage over time." That said, investing in a more expensive pair of sunglasses does have its advantages. "You usually get sturdier frames when you buy a pair of sunglasses that come in at a higher price point," says Robinson. "You also tend to get better visual performance — there's less distortion, and if the sunglasses fit better and are more comfortable, you'll get better glare reduction." Certain types of lenses — such as the polarized variety — also offer some notable performance benefits. "Polarized lenses have a filter that blocks horizontal rays that cause glare, which can occur when you're driving, on the beach, on the water fishing, or if you're out in a snowy environment skiing, snowshoeing or hiking," she says. "We've all been in that type of setting, when we've suffered sunburn to our face or nose. Sun can also burn the eye surface, a condition that's called photokeratitis." You might not realize what's bothering your eyes. "If you don't protect your eyes with sunglasses, your eyes may be red, watery, irritated and inflamed later in the day," warns Robinson. "Those are just the short-term effects of UV overexposure. Long-term exposure to UV rays without sufficient eye protection can lead to degenerative eye problems such as cataracts, macular degeneration and some types of ocular cancers." The best way to avoid degenerative eye conditions caused by sun exposure is simple: get into the habit of regularly wearing sunglasses. "It needs to become part of your routine," Robinson says. "If you're a parent, it's essential to get your kids used to wearing sunglasses from a young age; it's a habit that will stay with them as they get older. Really, it doesn't matter what your age is. If you're older and haven't worn sunglasses much, get into the habit — it's never too late to start, and any time you wear them, it saves your eyes from potential damage." Attention should also be paid to the type of sunglasses you wear, she adds. "The size of the frame is important, so to optimize eye protection, bigger is better. UV rays hit your eyes from above, below and from the side, so the closer the lenses are to your face, the better the protection is. Wraparound sunglasses are the best choice because of the coverage they offer, however wearing any type of sunglasses is better than wearing no sunglasses at all." Outdoor types should also wear a hat — the brim or bill will block rays from above — to assure the most complete eye protection possible. "It's just a matter of getting in the habit of protecting your eyes," Robinson says. "In the long run, you'll feel more comfortable due to reduced eye strain. When you go outside without your sunglasses on, you'll feel the brightness and squint. It's something you won't think about until you get into the habit. Once you do, you'll wonder why you haven't been wearing them. They just make things so much easier on your eyes." MAKE SUNGLASSES A HABIT BY TODD LEWYS Dr. Gillian Robinson says long-term exposure to UV rays without sufficient eye protection can lead to degenerative eye problem. Photo by Darcy Finley D r. Tanya Dillon, Vice-President of the Manitoba Association of Optometrists, explains that a cataract actually occurs right inside the eye. "The cataract is behind the iris, the coloured part of the eye. We all have a natural lens inside each eye, behind the iris," said Dillon, a Doctor of Optometry with Village Optical. "A cataract occurs when that lens, which is normally nice and clear, becomes cloudy." Generally, everyone will experience that clouding of the lens over time. However, some situations can cause cataracts to occur sooner. "Diabetes and certain medications like steroids can result in earlier development of cataracts," Dillon said. "However, most people will develop cataracts in their lifetime." Cataracts typically come with symptoms such as blurry vision or glare. "Cataracts are something that we look for with every exam, so oftentimes we will start to notice the changes inside the lens before the patient notices changes to their vision," Dillon said. If you experience vision changes, don't ignore them. "With any changes in vision, you should make an appointment with a Doctor of Optometry to determine if it is cataracts that are causing that change, or if it is something else," Dillon said. "Cataracts are something that we look for with every exam, so oftentimes we will start to notice the changes inside the lens before the patient notices changes to their vision." As for prevention, an overall healthy approach to life is one of the best ways to maintain healthy eyes. "The things that we do that are healthy for the rest of the body are healthy for the eyes as well," Dillon said. "These things include eating well, not smoking and UV light protection — so wearing sunglasses." Not all cataracts are the same, since some types progress slowly while others move more quickly. "Certain types will come on gradually over a period of many years – that's the most common type that we see. It's a general, slower, progressive cataract," she said. "But there are certain types of cataracts that develop more rapidly over a period of months. As we're looking inside the eyes, we can determine what type of cataract it is and suggest a timeline for when a potential cataract surgery might be necessary. The optometrist will make a referral to the cataract surgeon, who will confirm if surgery is necessary and when it will be done." For all the different types of cataracts, the main correction remains cataract surgery, which involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear plastic implant. "It's highly successful and highly effective surgery," Dillon said. In general, Dillon recommends that seniors and children come in for eye exams on an annual basis, while most everyone in between those two age groups should come in every two years. "It varies depending on the specifics of the person and their eye health since certain conditions will necessitate more regular intervals," Dillon said. "The most important thing is to ensure that you're getting your regular preventative eye health care so that if a problem arises, we can make sure that we're right on top of it." Dr. Tanya Dillon is Vice-President of the Manitoba Association of Optometrists. Photo by Darcy Finley FACTS ABOUT CATARACTS BY JENNIFER MCFEE It's a fact that cataracts are a normal change that occurs as we age. However, it's a misconception that they are a film over the eye.

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