SPL HEALTH
42 StPeteLifeMag.com May/June 2020
ADVERTORIAL
I’m often asked what can be done on a routine basis to prevent
and maintain prolonged eye health. It’s a great question and
an even better topic to discuss amidst the current pandemic
landscape we’ve found ourselves in. Fortunately, the following
points are easy to implement into your daily lifestyle.
UV Protection
Yes, ultraviolet (UV) eye protection matters. UV radiation from the
sun can damage not only the thin skin of your eyelids but also the
cornea, lens and other parts of the eye. UV exposure contributes
to the development of certain types of cataracts, cancerous
growths on the eye, and macular degeneration. To protect your
eyes, look for sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of both UVA and
UVB rays. If you spend a lot of time outdoors in bright sunlight,
consider wearing wraparound frames for additional protection
from harmful solar radiation. Don’t forget UV protection for your
children and teenagers! They typically spend more time in the sun
than adults.
Chronic exposure to shorter-wavelength visible light (blue and
violet light) may also be harmful to the retina. Many digital
devices emit this shorter-wavelength visible light. As we all are
aware, digital device usage is becoming more and more prevalent
in our daily lives. A recent study found that Americans spend
almost 2 ½ hours on their tablets and smartphones every day (I
are becoming increasingly popular. Lenses that absorb harmful
addition to your optical toolkit.
Blue light is natural, and a critical part of the visible light
spectrum. The sun emits an abundance of blue light, as do
bodies’ internal biological clocks. However, blue-violet light can
the onset of age-related macular degeneration, a deterioration of
the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision.
Eyelid Care
One of the most common conditions I see in the exam room
is blepharitis. While it can take many forms, it is essentially
oil production. The warm and moist base of your eyelashes is a
favorable environment for such bacteria. This issue leads to red,
irritated, and itchy lids and lashes. In many cases, good hygiene
can help control blepharitis. This includes frequently washing
the scalp and face, using warm compresses to soak the eyelids
and scrubbing the eyelids with a gentle cleanser (I like baby
shampoo) every other day. When a bacterial infection is causing or
accompanies blepharitis, antibiotics and other medications may
be prescribed.
Last but not least, see your local eye care professional for a
comprehensive, annual eye examination with dilation. These
visits are not just about glasses and contacts; they allow your
doctor to examine the complete health of your eyes.
It goes without saying, but we are what we eat. Research
suggests that there are many choices to optimize eye health,
some may even help slow the progression of age-related eye
diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, age-related
cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and dry eye.
For optimal eye health, eat smart and quit smoking or don’t start
smoking. Make plant-based foods the center of your meals.
Fresh fruits and vegetable in an array of colors are known to
Health Matters
BY DR. DANE KUPLICKI, OD
/StPeteLifeMag.com