Blog

While summer is in full swing and your patients are spending more time outdoors, be sure to highlight UV protection! Just as sunscreen should be used regularly, remind patients to get into the habit of putting on sunglasses anytime they step outside.

There are three forms of UV radiation:

• UVA. UVA rays are the closest to visible light on the electromagnetic spectrum and can pass through the cornea to reach the lens and retina. They also penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB rays. Although UVA rays are lower in energy, the sun emits approximately 500 times more UVA rays than UVB rays. UVA radiation is linked to cataracts and macular degeneration.

• UVB. Most UVB rays are absorbed by the ozone layer, with 5% of UVB rays reaching Earth. These rays are the ones primarily responsible for sunburn and photoaging of the skin. The cornea absorbs the majority of UVB rays, so very little reaches the lens and retina. UVB radiation contributes to the development of photokeratitis, pingueculae, pterygia and cancers of the eyelid and conjunctiva.

• UVC. As sunlight passes through the ozone layer, virtually all UVC rays are absorbed before reaching the earth.

UV Protection Tips
Here are some tips about UV exposure and eye health to share with patients:

• Ensure sunglasses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
• UV-blocking contact lenses offer an additional layer of protection but should not be used as the primary form of UV protection since they do not cover the entire eye area.
• Wraparound styles are best for blocking UV radiation from various angles.
• Add a brimmed hat to provide extra protection for the eyes.
• Children are more susceptible to UV damage in the eyes since their lenses do not absorb as much UV radiation.
• Check the UV index before heading outdoors to assess the risk of harm from UV exposure. Consider the time of day and geographic location. For example, higher altitudes, areas closer to the equator and times when the sun is high in the sky (10 AM to 2 PM) are more harmful.
• Certain medications can increase sensitivity to UV radiation. These include isotretinoin, sulfa drugs, tetracyclines and more. 
• Wear sunglasses outdoors, even on overcast days.

Provide the Best UV Eye Protection
R&D Optical Lab offers an array of sunglass options for your patients. We carry Transitions in Signature® Gen 8TH®, Vantage®, Drivewear® and XTRActive® styles. Our Chemistrie clips offer 24 choices of polarized sunlens clip-ons so your patients can change their style in a snap! We also provide customized options such as prescription swim and ski goggles, pilot glasses and any lenses your patients want to add UV protection, polarized filters or mirror treatments. 

Our New Location
We are also excited to announce our new location is now open! The space is three times larger than our original location, and with our new machinery, we are equipped to produce higher volumes with faster turnaround times. Our new lab is located at 4024 Bach Buxton, Batavia, OH 45103. 

We are here to help you offer the best customer service and products to your patients. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at 513-273-4034 or visit RandDOptical.com. For more tips and our latest updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram or LinkedIn!