Make the Brightness Dim for Your Health

Even though snowflakes are still making random appearances in the mornings, sunlight, beaches and summer vacations are just on the horizon. Every week for the next 10 weeks, we’ll be getting you prepared for those glorious days, with information about different items which will make the sunshine season healthy, enjoyable and memorable.

Let’s start with a small item that has an enormous impact and is of use even right now: sunglasses. Dr. Lori Landrio of Landrio & Dorman O.D. enlightened us on the extremely important process of protecting the eyes from the sun, especially for children. The powerful effect of the sun on a person’s eyes is not a widely known fact. As Dr. Landrio states, “Most patients/parents report that they never thought about sun protection for their children’s’ eyes.” For those who fall into this category, it’s time to start paying attention to keep your child safe outdoors.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics,  “In adults,  [more than] 99 percent of UVR is absorbed by the anterior structures of the eye. [This] can contribute to the development of age-related cataract, pterygium, photodermatitis, and cancer of the skin around the eye. It also may contribute to age-related macular degeneration. Melanoma of the uveal tract…is associated with a tendency to sunburn and with intense exposure to UVR.”

Frighteningly, children under the age of 10 are even more susceptible to eye injuries and problems due to the rays. To protect both ourselves and our children, we need to take sunglasses seriously. Dr. Landrio reminds us all that “[Children] don’t need a bathing suit by the pool. They don’t need water bottles for cooling off – they need sunglasses.”

How to pick the proper pair for you and everyone in your family is another process requiring demystification. Check the labels on every pair of sunglasses purchased. The American Academy of Pediatrics said to look for labels that say blocks 99 percent of ultraviolet rays, UV absorption up to 400 nm, special purpose, or meets ANSI (American National Standards Institute) UV requirements. As with all sorts of products, there’s going to be ones that do not meet these standards.

Getting children to understand the importance of sun safety and protecting their eyes is rather difficult at times, and you might need to bribe them a little bit. Visit Landrio & Dorman to check out their selection of children’s’ sunglasses for a pair that matches the little ones’ favorite colors, patterns, and so forth.

Even for yourself, pick up a designer pair or some shades at with a little bit of flair to give style to your summer safety.