Invisible Dangers, In Plain Sight

Many of the patients we see for certain conditions are totally shocked to learn what likely helped them to develop the condition in the first place. LIGHT. More specifically, a type of light you’ve probably heard of – ultraviolet (or UV) light. And, given we are now officially in the early swing of long, bright summer days this topic is even more important for ALL OF US to pay attention to.

What is UV?

Simply put, UV light is light just outside the spectrum visible to humans. Many insects and even some mammals and reptiles can see UV light quite well. The wavelengths are just too short for our eyes to detect, similar to a dog whistle that is just high pitch enough to be out of range of a human. Most of the UV light we are exposed to is created by the sun but there are man-made sources including tanning beds, and some halogen and fluorescent bulbs.

It Does WHAT To My Eyes?!

Just because UV light is great for some bugs doesn’t mean it’s good for us humans here in Shreveport. Quite the opposite, in fact. There are several conditions we treat regularly which can largely be prevented, or at least delayed, by using proper eye protection. Some of these you may have heard of, like snow blindness (photokeratitis) and cataracts. Others may not sound so familiar, such as Pinguecula or Pterygium…. Try saying that with a mouth full of crawfish!

The cornea and surrounding tissues are very sensitive to UV light and a variety of inflammation and growths can occur over prolonged exposure. But these conditions can cause discomfort and eventually interfere with a person’s ability to see, leading to vision loss in severe cases. Treatments can range from avoiding UV light for a period, to antibiotics and eye drops, to surgical procedures. Dr. Van Norman and Dr. Borrel are well trained in these treatments and will get you the best plan possible for your eye health.

Keep Those Shades On!

Our best advice for protecting against UV damage to your eyes is to wear sunglasses outside – ALL THE TIME, EVERY TIME. UV400 glasses are sufficient to block both types of harmful UV light – UVA and UVB (how creative, right..?). Also, just creating your own shady space by wearing wide-brimmed hats when outside. UV exposure is strongest between the hours of 10am – 4pm so work around that period of more intense UV light, if you can.

Shreveport Eye Specialists can help you choose the best option for YOU when it comes to finding plain or prescription sunglasses which not only protect your eyes but keep you in the latest styles and frames fitted just for you by our staff of board certified opticians. We also carry Peepers glasses which make blue light blocking lenses. Visit our fashionable boutique-style optical shop – 20/20 Optics for the latest!