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PAGE 66
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PROTECT YOUR EYES FROM THE SUN
DURING WINTER MONTHS, TOO!
By: Renae (Biale) Tesauro
Most of us remember to wear
eye protection and sunscreen
in the summer, but we proba-
bly don’t think about it as
much during the winter
months.
“
Studies show that exposure
to the sun’s UV rays – regard-
less of season – may increase
the risk of developing
cataracts, age-related macular
degeneration (AMD) and
growths on the eye, including
cancer,” says Lawrence V.
Najarian, M.D., a board-certi-
fied ophthalmologist with
Bedminster Eye and Laser
Center, P.A. and a faculty
member of both New York
University and New York Eye
and Ear Infirmary. “If you’re
outside skiing, snowboarding,
sledding or ice skating, don’t
forget to protect your eyes.”
In a recent study published in
the Archives of Dermatology,
researchers took multiple
readings of UV radiation at
32
high-altitude ski areas in
western North America and
interviewed thousands of
skiers and snowboarders to
find out whether they took
precautions against the sun,
such as wearing hats, sun-
screen and goggles. The
study found that most skiers
and snowboarders took
only occasional precautions
against the sun.
Dr. Najarian points out that
the sun’s rays reflecting off
the snow can be very harsh,
and exposure to UV radiation
can be just as high on cloudy
days. In the northern hemi-
sphere, the highest levels of
exposure occur at midday,
and this extends through late
winter and into early spring.
Exposure levels also increase
with elevation. According to
the Archives of Dermatology
study, the highest UV levels
were recorded at Mammoth
Mountain in California.
“
Excessive exposure to UV
light reflected off snow can
damage the eyes' front sur-
face,” observes Dr. Najarian.
“
In addition to cataracts and
AMD, sun exposure can lead
to lesions and tumors that
may be cosmetically unap-
pealing and require surgical
removal.”
Dr. Najarian recommends that
people be vigilant about pro-
tecting their eyes in the win-
ter months and only wear
goggles or sunglasses with
UV protection.
So grab your goggles when
you head to the slopes, and
you’ll be made in the shade
when summer finally rolls
around!
Learn more about sun and UV
safety by visiting the Ameri-
can Academy of Ophthal-
mology website:
www.geteyesmart.org.
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