Martin Vanderwoude: Canadians are preparing for the coming winter, the time of year when the days get shorter, but many people don't realize that even though there is less sunshine, UV radiation still poses a serious threat to our eyes.
A recent study conducted by Transitions Optical of 1,000 Canadian adults showed nearly 50% never think about the need for sun protection in the winter. This is worrisome to optometrist, Dr. Vi Tu Banh. He stresses to patients that it's essential to protect their eyes year round.
Dr. Vi Tu Banh: People should be concerned with UV damage all year around. Many people are not aware that the clear lenses that they are wearing do not have full UV protection. One of the best way to protect your eyes from UV is by wearing sunglasses or photochromic lenses other than just to UV exposure. That is the most effective and convenient way to protect your eyes from UV damage.
Martin Vanderwoude: One crucial part of protecting eye health is regular examinations with your eye care professional. Your optometrist can catch damage in the early stages, and although it cannot be reversed, there are options for protection so the damage and consequent eye disease are less likely to progress.
Dr. Vi Tu Banh: I find most people do not pay much attention to the health of their eyes. Mainly because most eye diseases do not hurt. For example, things like cataract, macular degeneration, which can occur because of too much exposure to UV, and they can happen very slowly, progressively, and due to a point it becomes irreversible.
Martin Vanderwoude: Most of us would not trade our eyesight for anything, so it's puzzling we don't take better care of it.
Dr. Vi Tu Banh: People can take better care of the eyes by having their eyes examine regularly by an eye care professional.
Martin Vanderwoude: As people age, they are more likely to make regular visits to an eye care professional, but only 50% of those over the age of 65 get their eyes checked once a year. UV exposure is cumulative over time, and that's the age when many eye diseases begin to affect vision. Martin Vanderwoude reporting.
