In the News

Posted: 07/30/08

SUNGLASSES ARE NOT ENOUGH TO PROTECT AGAINST UV RAYS

By Julie Dappen

UV light can enter the eye from the side when wearing sunglasses and even can reflect off the sides of glasses. Rays from the visible spectrum also can damage the eye. Minnesota's ophthalmologists, Eye M.D.s, recommend Minnesotans wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to protect their eyes from the sun's harmful rays.

"While research has connected UV rays to cataracts, eye lesions and growths, other research links rays from the visible spectrum to macular degeneration" said Scott Uttley, M.D., president of the Minnesota Academy of Ophthalmology (MAO).  "The longer your exposure to bright light, the more you are at risk for these problems. Light reflected from surfaces such as sand, snow, water or pavement also can damage your eyes."

The Minnesota Academy of Ophthalmology offers these tips to protect your eyes from the sun:

• Select sunglasses that block 97 to 100 percent of UV-A rays and UV-B rays. Neither the color nor the darkness of lenses, nor their cost insures they meet this requirement. The ability to block UV light is not dependent on the price tag.
• Choose wrap-around styles that extend to your temples to prevent the sun's rays from entering from the side.
• Wear a broad-brimmed hat to protect your eyes.
• If you wear contact lenses, don't rely on them, even if they have UV protection. Wear sunglasses as well.
• Protect your eyes even when it's cloudy. The sun's rays can pass through haze and thin clouds, and sun can damage the eyes at any time during the year, not just in the summer.
• Wear sunglasses whenever you are outside, and especially, in the early afternoon and at higher altitudes, when UV light is more intense.
• Everyone is at risk, including children. Protect their eyes with hats and sunglasses. In addition, keep children out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun's UV rays are the strongest.

About the Minnesota Academy of Ophthalmology

The Minnesota Academy of Ophthalmology (MAO) is the state association of eye physicians and surgeons (Eye M.D.'s) with more than 280 members statewide. The members of the MAO are committed to preserving the sight of Minnesotans through regular screening exams and by providing care for all eye diseases and injuries. The MAO encourages consumers to be aware of the different education levels of opticians, optometrists and ophthalmologists. Ophthalmologists (Eye M.D.'s) are the only eye care specialists who are graduates of medical school. Eye M.D.'s treat eye diseases and injuries, perform eye surgery and are the only health providers who can advise patients on all vision-related issues. To learn more, visit the MAO website at www.

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