Portland Doctors Say Maine Summer Activities Increase Need to Prevent Eye Sun Damage

PORTLAND, ME, May 02, 2013 (Press-News.org) "Summer in Maine means so many of us spend more time participating in outdoor activities. The coast and waterfront are really spectacular but along with hiking, running and just enjoying being outdoors-can expose people to greater risk of UV sun eye damage than they might anticipate," commented Ophthalmologist Jordan Sterrer, M.D. of Eyecare Medical Group. "Generally, patients are well aware of the harmful effects that ultraviolet UV rays can have on their skin-and so they take the necessary precaution of using sunscreen," explained Dr. Sterrer. "But, many do not know that the of the risk of sun and UV damage to their eyes may be greater than they realize," said Maine Corneal Specialist Ravi Shah, M.D. "There have been many studies and publications, as well as our own clinical experience, that links cumulative exposure to UV from sunlight to an earlier onset of eye problems such as cataract, age related macular degeneration (AMD), certain cancers on the delicate skin around the eye and eyelid, a vascular white growth on the surface of the eye called Pterygia and even solar keratitis-an inflammation of the cornea," explained Dr. Shah.

First, if you are going to be outside-especially along the Maine coast or waterfront-you need to wear sunscreen. Second, remember to wear UV-blocking eyeglass or sunglass lenses. Choose an eyeglass or sunglass frame that is large enough so that it covers the delicate tissue and skin around the eye and eyelids. Third, wear a hat with a brim to further block sunlight and protect your eyes surrounding tissue.

There is a wide range of UV protecting eyeglass lenses available to choose from. Eye protection from UV needs to be complete but doesn't have to be overly expensive. High quality sunglasses should block out 99-100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation. It is also important to have UV protection in everyday eyewear, which is readily available with a number of UV blocking eyeglass lens materials, specialized coatings and photochromic lenses.

"We would be pleased to recommend qualified Maine Optometrists and Maine Opticians who are able to provide the proper counseling and fitting of UV protecting lenses and eyewear. These eye care professionals can offer a wide variety of UV blocking lenses, coatings and color changing lenses to keep you safe," said Clement Berry, Chief Executive Officer of Eyecare Medical Group.

To learn more about Eyecare Medical Group in Portland Maine you may visit http://www.eyecaremed.com or http://www.facebook.com/eyecaremedicalgroup or follow our eye care blog at http://eyecaremed-maine.blogspot.com.

For additional information, contact:
Kathy Brackett, Eyecare Medical Group, 53 Sewall Street, Portland, Maine 04102, kbrackett@eyecaremed.com, 1-888-374-2020.

SOURCE: Medical Management Services Group, L.L.C.
http://www.facebook.com/MedicalManagementServicesGroup
http://www.aboutcataractsurgery.com
http://www.seewithlasik.com