Submitted by YHR on Tue, 07/10/2012 - 11:51
July is UV radiation safety month, and UV not only affects our skin, but also our eyes. Dr. Cherry offers suggestions on how to protect your eyes and support eye health.
Video Highlights
One of the most important things you can do is to wear a hat and a good pair of sunglasses. You need to look for sunglasses that block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays.
One of the worst things you can actually do is to buy cheap fashion sunglasses. Because the pupils dilate behind the dark glasses and the UV rays are not blocked, the rays are able to all come in and do damage to the retina and the back of the eye.
Another way to protect your eyes, especially if you are at risk for eye problems, is to supplement. There are several nutrients that protect the lens (where cataracts form) and the back of the eye (where macular degeneration occurs). For example, lutein acts like a pair of sunglasses, and can help protect your eyes from UV damage.
There are also ingredients that can help protect the blood vessels of the eye, which are particularly prone to damage in diabetics. I have put all these ingredients together in my Vision Support formula.
So be cautious about your eyes and take measures to protect them!
Our son, 48, has a bile duct obstruction. He had a stent inserted about 5 weeks ago. He did have a drinking problem and quit about 4 years ago. He is on pain pills, every 8 hours, has vomiting, eats smoothies with Ensure in them, can't work his job now because of weakness and ill. His blood test has improved. He is having an ERCP test on 7/26th to find out the diagnosis. What does this sound like to you? Thank You, A concerned Mother
Unfortunately, diagnosis and medical advice can’t be given through this website, only nutritional information, support, and our prayers for your healing.
Here is a site that provides some good information on bile duct disorders: http://www.ddc.musc.edu/public/symptomsDiseases/diseases/pancreas.cfm
God bless you and your son on his pathway to healing.
Dear Dr. Cherry,
I have heard from some nutritionists that some sun is good for the eyes and certainly for bone health). One person said that all the blood in the body actually passes through the back of the eyes every few hours and that the UV rays activate certain chemicals that are beneficial to the body. Perhaps you could shed a little light on that topic?
Also heard that glass and plastic naturally block a fair amount of UV rays but perhaps not enough to provide adequate support or protection for extended periods.
I have used polarized sunglasses as I heard they protect very well from glare, especially when driving. Some say they are better than the so-called Glacier glasses in that Glacier glasses, that moutaineers use, are only very dark but do not protect from damaging glare. Would it be best to use driving glasses that block 100% UV-a & UV-b and polarized ? I have noticed my eyes are less fatigued when using polarized lenses.
Thanks for your info. I have listened to you for decades and appreciate the efforts you and Linda have made in your ministry for the Lord. I have recommended many people to listen or look at the website for info they can trust.
scott
We are glad you find our information helpful and thank you for your kind words.
While the vitamin D produced by exposure to the sun is beneficial for our bones and overall health, the risks outweigh the benefits of too much UV exposure. 5 to 15 minutes of casual sun exposure of hands, face and arms two to three times a week (less if you are closer to the equator) during the summer months is often recommended for vitamin D production, but because the sun is not consistent year-round, we recommend taking a daily vitamin D supplement to ensure adequate amounts for optimal health.
On the other hand, there isn’t substantiated evidence to show that any UV exposure is beneficial to the eyes, but quite a bit of research links even low amounts of sunlight to an increased risk of developing eye damage such as cataracts, and the effects are cumulative over a lifetime.
As far as glasses, you are correct that polycarbonate lenses and glass lenses in themselves offer some protection from UV radiation, although it depends on the thickness. However, they do not block the recommended 99-100% of the UV rays, so sunglasses or a coating are still needed.
And yes, as you mentioned, polarized glasses are very good at protecting from glare, but they don't offer UV protection unless they're specifically treated with UV coating. To get both benefits for driving, polarized glasses with a 100% UVA and B coating would be a good option.
Thank you and God Bless!