January is Glaucoma Awareness Month
As we close out the month, remember that living in the sunshine state exposes our eyes to UV Rays which over time can contribute to many eye problems. One of the leading causes of vision loss for older Americans is macular degeneration. Cataracts are another way vision is compromised through clouding of the eye lens. Listen up golfers: Pterygium (aka “Surfer’s Eye”) is a growth in the eye more common in people who work or play outside in the sun and wind.
Play it safe and ALWAYS wear a hat and sunglasses.
While golfing may not be work, long periods spent on the course on sunny Florida days in the Villages increase chances of developing this problem. Corneal sunburn and skin cancers around the eyes are also caused by UV Ray exposure. Play it safe and ALWAYS wear a hat and sunglasses. Protect your vision so you can keep it and your independence in your retirement years.
Wearing protective eye wear is important when engaged in sports activities or home improvement projects. Eye injuries can result in traumatic glaucoma or secondary glaucoma, so protecting your eyes from injury is another way to prevent glaucoma. Ophthalmologists and optometrists now recommend wearing sunglasses and a brimmed hat whenever you’re in the sun long enough to get a suntan or a sunburn, especially if you live at a high elevation or near the equator. (excerpts courtesy the Glaucoma Research Foundation.)