Everyone is familiar with the dangers of sun exposure and the need to protect your skin during the upcoming summer months. But did you know that UV exposure also poses a serious risk to your eyes? Dr. Helen Zervas, a board-certified optometrist at Family Eye Care in Bristol, says that, “UV exposure can pose a risk for myriad eye issues such as cancer, cataracts, macular degeneration, and a variety of growths that can occur on the eye.”
As with the skin, the damage to the eyes from UV rays is cumulative over time. However, the end result can mean permanent impairment to our sight. Dr. Zervas says that “the UV rays can penetrate various parts of the eye, from the cornea to the retina and the lens, depending on the particular UV wavelength.”
“Some of the most common conditions that we see associated with inadequate protection from UV rays include Photokeratitis, also known as ultraviolet keratitis, which is an inflammation of the cornea which can be quite painful. We also treat Photoconjunctivitis, inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and eye socket. This can also be very uncomfortable, with some swelling, a constant sensation that there is something in the eye and sensitivity to bright lights.”
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Over time, more permanent damage to the retina and cornea can result from UV exposure. The sun’s rays can be a culprit in the development of cataracts and macular degeneration. “While we are well aware of the risks for skin cancer, many people don’t realize that cancers can also develop in the eye, as well as around the eye area. This is why we recommend that our patients wear wraparound styles and hats to protect areas that are not covered by sunglasses.”
“We advise that our patients look for eyewear with good quality lenses which block the UV rays. We also remind patients that they will get a great deal of sun exposure from reflections off the water. Polarized lenses are ideal for water sports, as they can help to minimize the glare that can result in reflections off of the water. And, there are now even contact lenses that also provide UV protection.”“We advise that our patients always protect their eyes with sunglasses and hats when they are out in the sun, as well as on cloudy days. And be sure to protect young children and impart healthy habits early.”
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About Dr. Zervas Dr. Zervas graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry and completed her Optometry degree in 1993 at the University of Houston College of Optometry. Dr. Zervas completed a hospital-based residency at Brockton West Roxbury V.A. Medical Center in Massachusetts, where she treated patients with various ocular diseases and developed a high proficiency in many diagnostic techniques. She also researched, presented, lectured and taught clinical management with an emphasis on ocular disease at the New England College of Optometry and the V.A. Hospital.
Dr. Zervas has advanced training in special areas of eye treatment. Because she is board-certified, it signifies that she has established higher standards of quality care.
Dr. Zervas opened Family Eye Care in 1996 after her residency training. Since moving to Connecticut she has enjoyed her private practice servicing the local area community where she is a long-standing member of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Board Member of the Bristol Boys and Girls Club and Founding Member of Bristol’s Women’s and Girls Fund as part of the Main Street Community Fund.
Her professional memberships include the American Optometric Association (AOA), American Board of Optometry (ABO), Connecticut Association of Optometrists (CAO), and the Massachusetts Society of Optometrists.
