Dr. Jay L. Schwartz, is team ophthalmologist for the Phoenix Suns, the Diamondbacks, and the Coyotes. Schwartz Laser Eye Center is located at 18275 N. 59th Avenue, Ste. B-108, Glendale, AZ 85308. Contact Dr. Schwartz at 480-483-3937, or at www.schwartzlaser.com.

Question: Why is it important to protect your eyes in Arizona?

Answer: The sun emits ultraviolet radiation that can be dangerous to the tissue that composes the eye. The different spectrum of UV radiation has been shown to cause dryness, discoloration, cataracts, and macular degeneration as well as increase the chances of developing eye-related cancer.

// // OAS_AD(’ArticleFlex_1′) // //

Q: How are eyes damaged when directly or indirectly exposed to the sun?

A: Ultraviolet means “beyond violet,” which is the shortest wavelength of light that our eyes can detect. Thus UV rays are light that we know is there but cannot see. The radiation excites DNA molecules in skin cells, leading to mutations, which can result in cancerous growths. The UV radiation damages collagen tissue that is important for the skin and thus leads to early signs of aging.

Q: What are the short and and long-term consequences?

A: In the short term the eyes may be dry, irritated and blurry. There can be an increase in the blood flow to the eye, thus creating that look of “red eyes.” Long-term exposure to UV radiation causes irreparable damage to the eye tissue. This can lead to pingueculae and pterygium, common growths seen on the eye. Lid cancers can also be caused by long-term sun exposure. This can be visually damaging and even life-threatening. Cataracts can also be a side effect of long-term exposure. However, the potential for damage to the central vision, or macula, would have the most sight-threatening potential.

Q: Are children more susceptible to eye damage?

A: Children are more vulnerable than adults to the potentially eye-harming effects of the sun’s UV radiation. For one thing, they spend more time outdoors. The more UV exposure, the greater the eventual risk of cataracts (clouding of the lens) and macular degeneration (breakdown of the central part of the retina). That doesn’t mean you need to obsess about shielding your kids from the sun or worry about the occasional, inevitable lapses. You should encourage kids to wear sunglasses when they’re outdoors, though, even on cloudy days. Letting children choose their own sunglasses - and setting an example by wearing a pair yourself - boosts the likelihood that they’ll wear them. Wraparound styles protect the eyes from all angles. If they refuse to wear sunglasses, a broad-brimmed hat can reduce UV exposure. Moreover, limiting exposure to the sun when its rays are strongest, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., is another preventive measure.

Q: Should I have my eyes regularly checked by an ophthalmologist?

A: Your eyes are an extremely delicate and evolved organ. Yearly examinations by an optometrist or ophthalmologist are the only way to ensure that the eyes are functioning in an optimal manner. Certain eye conditions can take years to evolve and yet preventive measures can be instituted early to avoid long-term effects.

Q: What’s the best pair of sunglasses on the market?

A: You should look for sunglasses that provide at least 98 percent protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Polarization will help in a lot of circumstances as well. Polarized sunglasses can be used for driving and, in fact, can reduce glare from a long, flat surfaces such as the hood of the car or the road’s surface. Polarized sunglasses can also be used indoors by light-sensitive people, including post-cataract surgery patients and those continually exposed to bright light through windows.

Sunglasses can be both beneficial and fashionable. Living in the desert, we are exposed to more sunlight and thus more UV radiation. Practical measures can be used to protect the eyes from the damaging effects of the sun.

Q: Where can I go to get my eyes checked?

A: At the Schwartz Laser Eye Center we have two locations that can provide comprehensive eye examinations. The Glendale and Scottsdale location have state-of-the-art equipment.

Source: azcentral.com