Optical Outlets
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Sunglasses Are Crucial to Your Eye Health

February 24, 2021

People wear sunglasses—without or with a prescription—for a variety of reasons. “Shades” connote social coolness, dampen sun glare, and suggest power, prestige and mystique. But sunglasses’ most significant function is to protect eyes from the sun’s extremely harmful UV rays. Repeated exposure to UV radiation without sunglasses that include 100 percent UVA and UVB protection can result in permanent eye damage.

So come into the office of Optical Outlets for your next pair or sunglasses. We carry a large array that is available with or without prescription lenses. Everyone who works here is eager to help you pick out some that are perfect for your taste, needs and lifestyle.

Here are some eye diseases connected to constant UV exposure.

• Skin cancer. The skin that surrounds your eyes is thin and prone to cancer. Nearly 10 percent of skin cancers occur near the eyes. Wraparound sunglasses are the best.
• Cataracts and glaucoma. Cataracts are cloudy areas on the eye lens. UV rays can also complicate the effects of glaucoma, a serious condition that can lead to blindness.
• Macular degeneration. The macula (a part of the retina) weakens and worsens the overall condition, perhaps leading to blindness.
• Pterygium. It’s a growth on the eyeball. It’s usually not serious but can be painful and frustrating. Eye drops, steroids and (in advanced cases) surgery are the most common treatments.

The best treatment is, of course, prevention. You should wear sunglasses with UV protection even when it’s cloudy outside; UV rays can still injure eyes when the sun’s not out.

At the office of Optical Outlets, our main concern is the health of your eyes. You can feel comfortable and relaxed while receiving the very best in vision care. Be confident that everything in our office is clean, comfortable and thoroughly sterilized. Please call or visit us to discover our many styles of sunglasses.