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ECVA Giving Back to the Community

Every year, ECVA gives back to the community by adopting a local veteran family for the holidays. This ECVA tradition started in 2015, and it’s become a moment our team and patients look forward to every year. 

ECVA aims to make supporting its community and giving back a joyous occasion for all involved, including our employees and patients. Here’s a look at how ECVA gives back and how you can take part in this holiday tradition. 

Supporting Veterans and Their Families Through Basket Raffles 

At ECVA, we hold a basket raffle every year that benefits a veteran and their family during the holiday season. The baskets are created with donated items from staff members. Once they’re put together, raffle tickets are purchased by employees and patients, and the money raised through ticket sales is matched by our doctors. 

Every ECVA office has its own raffle. Once winners are selected in early December, staff members contact the winners the following week, allowing them to pick up their baskets. 

After gathering the donated funds, the money is used to purchase gifts for the veteran and their family members. Along with traditional presents, ECVA aims to provide gifts that are enjoyable all year-round, such as annual passes to the Buffalo Zoo & Aquarium and movie theatre gift cards. In some years, furniture and appliances were also given as presents. 

Partnering with WNY Heroes to Connect with Veteran Families in Need 

ECVA is proud to partner with WNY Heroes to connect with a veteran family in need this holiday season. Since 2007, WNY Heroes has worked diligently to provide veterans and their families with critical support, ensuring they have access to essential services, financial assistance, and more. 

WNY Heroes identifies veteran households during the holidays that could use help to have a brighter holiday season. ECVA adopts a family in need every year, raffling off gift baskets to gather donations that are then used to purchase items for the veteran and their family. 

How You Can Help Give Back and Support Local Veterans 

Patients and other community members are always welcome to get involved and help support local veterans and their families. You can purchase raffle tickets at our offices, allowing you to donate funds for a good cause and have a chance at taking home an amazing gift basket. 

Raffle tickets are still available, and this year’s drawing will occur on December 2. If you want to participate, stop by one of our offices at any time before the drawing and speak to the receptionist about raffle tickets. Each office has a unique raffle, so feel free to head to other offices to have a chance at winning one of the many fantastic gift baskets our teams created this year. 

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patients’ eyes are our priority. If you haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today. 

Family looking at eyeglasses
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Night Blindness and Trouble Seeing at Night

Many people struggle with seeing clearly at night. This is particularly true under specific conditions. For instance, glare created by headlights on oncoming vehicles may result in temporary vision difficulties. 

However, trouble seeing at night might be more severe. With night blindness, there are broader issues with seeing in the dark or in dimly lit spaces. If you’re wondering if your issues seeing at night are genuinely night blindness, here’s what you need to know. 

What Is Night Blindness? 

Night blindness – which is formally known as nyctalopia – is a vision impairment that results in poor vision when in dark or dimly lit spaces. It often leads to difficulties when driving at night, but it can also make dining in dim restaurants, moving through movie theaters, and similar situations hard to navigate. 

Often, the issues are most noticeable when transitioning from a well-lit space to a darker one. For example, heading into a dimly lit restaurant on a bright, sunny day may cause struggles. Similarly, oncoming headlights or streetlamps along the road at night may result in definitive symptoms. 

What Causes Problems with Night Vision? 

Night blindness may occur for a variety of reasons. Certain medical conditions that impact how light moves through the eye are common examples. This can include anything from general nearsightedness to cataracts to retinitis pigmentosa. 

In some cases, medications may result in night blindness, as the condition is a known potential side effect. Specific birth defects or genetic disorders – such as congenital stationary night blindness or Usher syndrome – may also cause the condition. 

Temporary issues with night vision can also occur after vision correction surgery like Lasik. At times, a vitamin A deficiency may result in night blindness. However, this is generally rare and is more common in individuals with cystic fibrosis or conditions that cause pancreatic insufficiency. 

Can You Correct Night Vision Issues? 

Whether night blindness is correctable depends on the root cause. If nearsightedness is responsible, specific vision correction options – such as glasses or contacts – may solve the issue. For vision correction surgery-related night blindness, the situation may resolve after a patient fully heals from the procedure. 

With cataracts, cataract removal surgery may restore night vision. If the issue is caused by a medication, switching to a new treatment can be effective. For vitamin A deficiencies, a supplement or diet change may work well. 

However, night blindness related to other conditions may be uncorrectable. That’s the case for night blindness caused by specific birth defects or genetic disorders, such as retinitis pigmentosa. 

When to See an Eye Care Provider 

If you’re experiencing difficulty seeing at night or when transitioning from brightly lit to dim spaces, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your eye care provider. They can gather information and perform tests to determine if night blindness is occurring, its cause, and what treatment options are available based on the results. 

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patients’ eyes are our priority. If you are experiencing symptoms of night blindness or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today. 

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When Is a Cornea Transplant Needed?

Cornea damage can impact patients in a variety of ways. It may lead to vision changes, preventing you from seeing clearly. Often, damage to the cornea alters how your eyes focus and filter light, leading to issues like blurriness or glare. 

Additionally, cornea damage might cause irritation or pain in varying degrees. While some of it may be relatively mild, these symptoms may also be severe, potentially to the point of making it difficult to enjoy daily life. 

Cornea damage can occur in several ways. Degenerative conditions and infections are two examples, though they aren’t the only potential causes. However, whether a surgical treatment option like a cornea transplant is wise varies. If you’re wondering what a cornea transplant is and when a cornea transplant is necessary, here’s what you need to know. 

What Is a Cornea Transplant? 

A cornea transplant is a surgical procedure. It involves removing the damaged cornea and replacing it with tissue from a donor. 

The extent of the procedure is often determined by the amount of damage. A full-thickness corneal transplant – also called a penetrating keratoplasty – replaces every layer of the cornea, and it’s used to treat the most severe kinds of cornea damage. 

Partial thickness cornea transplants (lamellar keratoplasty) involve replacing the outer and middle layers, making it a better choice for moderate damage. For those with certain medical conditions – such as Fuchs’ dystrophy – an inner layer corneal transplant (endothelial keratoplasty) may be the better choice. 

Recovery times vary depending on the extent of the procedure, ranging from several weeks to a year or more for a full recovery. However, even with longer recoveries, returning to your daily activities is typically an option well before full recovery occurs. 

Generally, full-thickness corneal transplants take longer to recover from than the other surgical options. Inner layer corneal transplants often have the shortest recovery, while partial thickness cornea transplants fall in the middle.  

Ultimately, your eye care provider will discuss treatment options with you, including recommending the best type of corneal transplant for your situation if one is potentially necessary. 

When Is a Cornea Transplant Needed? 

Whether a cornea transplant is needed depends on the type of damage. Only certain forms of cornea damage may require surgery to correct, as others can be treated with less invasive options like corrective lenses. 

In most cases, the situations that make a corneal transplant necessary include specific medical conditions, such as keratoconus, keratitis, or Fuchs’ dystrophy. However, damage caused by infections -if it leads to scarring – may make a patient a good candidate for a cornea transplant, as well. 

At times, previous eye surgeries may have led to corneal damage, potentially to the point where a transplant is a wise choice. Similarly, patients with trichiasis – where the eyelashes grow inward – can experience damage to the cornea, which makes a corneal transplant a necessity. 

Ultimately, if you’re a potential candidate for a cornea transplant, your eye care provider will discuss why they’re making the recommendation. Additionally, they’ll outline what you can expect during and after the procedure, allowing you to determine if moving forward is right for you. 

Eye Care in Buffalo, NY

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patients’ eyes are our priority. If you are a potential candidate for a cornea transplant and want more information or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Our eye care specialists in Western New York can be found at any of our four locations in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Williamsville, and Orchard Park. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today. 

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Why Am I Seeing Halos?

While light is critical for vision, it can also lead to some difficulties. One prime example is halos, rings of light around light sources. At times, halos are simply distracting. In others, they’re a major hindrance. Plus, they can be a sign of certain eye-related medical conditions.  

If you’re wondering why you might be seeing halos and whether you should speak with your eye care provider, here’s what you need to know.  

What Causes Halos in Your Vision?  

In a general sense, halos in your vision occur when light doesn’t move through the eye the correct way. If the light is bent as it enters the eye, it can cause light rings around light sources; a phenomenon commonly referred to as a halo.  

Typically, halos are more noticeable at night. Along with more individual lights being on, the darker background of the night sky or a poorly lit spot makes the halos easier to see. However, they can technically occur at any time, suggesting there is a light source to create them.  

Reasons You Might Be Seeing Halos  

There are several reasons why a person may see halos, and not all of them are cause for concern. A halo is common due to the overall conditions if you see an incredibly bright light against a very dark backdrop.  

Certain refractive errors may also lead to halos. In some cases, nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can all create conditions where light passes through the eye in a less than ideal fashion, which may result in halos.  

Similarly, glasses or contact lens wearers may experience halos relating to the lenses. Eyeglasses and contacts alter how light passes into the eye. Additionally, both glasses and contact lenses can get dirty, foggy, scratched, or otherwise damaged. Depending on the issue, that can make halos more likely because light can’t pass through the lenses without encountering an obstacle.  

Halos are known potential side effects of certain vision-related procedures, too. For instance, Lasik can lead to halos. While they usually only last a few weeks, ultimately disappearing when the eye heals, halos can also be a permanent issue in rare cases.  

However, halos can also be symptoms of certain health conditions. Halos are relatively common among those with cataracts. As the cataract clouds the lens of the eye, it alters how light moves through it. The blurriness or haziness that often accompanies cataracts can cause halos as a result.  

In some cases, halos are also a sign of glaucoma. While cataracts are common and generally easy to manage, glaucoma can cause severe, potentially irreversible damage to your vision, including potentially leading to blindness  

Is Seeing Halos Serious?  

Whether halos are serious ultimately depends on the underlying cause and the overall impact to your vision. If the halos make it hard to focus, then night driving or similar tasks could become dangerous, which is a significant hindrance. Additionally, halos can be a symptom of a medical condition, which may require immediate attention.  

Ultimately, any change to your vision should always be treated seriously. Similarly, if any issue is disruptive, it’s better to seek help.  

When to Speak with Your Eye Care Provider About Halos  

While halos aren’t inherently a troubling sign, it’s always best to speak with your eye care provider if you have any vision concerns. This is particularly true of the halos that are new or accompanied by other vision changes.  

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patient’s eyes are our priority. If you are experiencing halos and are worried about the potential cause or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.  

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Things Your Ophthalmologist Wishes You Knew

Maintaining proper eye health throughout the course of your life is essential. By doing so, you can potentially preserve your vision and get the correct lenses at the right time, potentially allowing you to avoid issues like eye strain and headaches.  

While most people know that eye care is essential, many do go beyond that. With that in mind, here are a few things that your ophthalmologist wishes you knew.  

Having Regular Appointments Is Always Important  

When it comes to medical needs, many people overlook their eye health. They might assume that vision changes are only common in the young, causing them to stop checking if theirs is changing. Others may figure that they won’t develop certain conditions until they’re well into retirement, when the reality can be quite different.  

Unless they notice a significant change in their vision, some adults may simply assume that they’re fine, causing them to bypass routine appointments. However, forgoing eye care is dangerous. Regular appointments can identify certain health conditions – like cancer, diabetes, macular degeneration, and glaucoma – before they cause irreversible damage. As a result, you can preserve your vision longer.  

Regular appointments allow you to update your glasses or contacts prescription as needed. In some cases, subtle vision changes over time aren’t noticeable to the patient, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t negatively impacting their quality of life or leading to side effects like eye strain. You can ensure your vision is always at its best by routinely seeing your ophthalmologist.  

That Protective Eyewear Is Worth It  

Protective eyewear is often undervalued. Whether it’s sunglasses to block UV light, sports goggles that can limit your odds of an injury, or safety glasses for DIY projects or work, that protection matters.  

Physical eye injuries can be incredibly serious. They can lead to temporary or permanent vision damage. In some cases, a strike to the eye or the surrounding area or chemical exposure can even lead to blindness. UV light can increase your risk of developing certain eye conditions, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and skin cancer along the eyelids.  

Ultimately, protective eyewear literally helps shield your eyes from harm. As a result, it’s wise to use it whenever possible, even if it isn’t technically required.  

How Harmful Screen Time Is for Everyone  

Screen time isn’t great for your eyes, even in short durations, though prolonged exposure usually poses a greater risk. Spending hours a day working at a computer, using a smartphone, or watching television can lead to issues like eye strain. Plus, blue light from screens can disrupt sleep patterns.  

People also typically blink less when they’re using an electronic device. This can cause issues with eye dryness or may make dry eye harder to manage for those with the condition.   

Ophthalmologists in Buffalo, NY

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patient’s eyes are our priority. If you are experiencing vision changes or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. As one of the top eye care practices in Western New York, we have offices in Buffalo, Williamsville, Orchard Park, and Niagara Falls. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.

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Is a Dilated Eye Exam Necessary?

When you prepare for an eye appointment, you may discover that your eye care provider will dilate your eyes during the exam. Since that can lead to some mild discomfort in brighter lighting following the appointment and may make driving or other activities difficult for several hours, you may wonder whether dilation is actually necessary.  

Similarly, if you’ve had dilated eye exams in the past, but your eye care provider says that dilation isn’t necessary this time, you may wonder why it isn’t being used. In either case, if you want to know when and why dilation eye exams might be necessary and what to expect from these appointments, here’s what you need to know.  

Why a Dilated Eye Exam Is Important  

Dilation eye exams are important for one main reason; dilation makes it easier to see the back of your eye. When your eyes are dilated, the pupil widens significantly. This allows far more light in and gives your eye care provider a better view.  

With a dilated eye exam, your eye care provider can look for signs of various conditions and potentially spot issues during earlier stages. Some diseases and conditions they may be able to spot include: glaucoma, macular degeneration, retinal detachment, diabetes, and high blood pressure.  

When and how often you need to have a dilated eye exam depends on several factors. For example, age plays a role. Essentially everyone needs dilation eye exams if they’re age 60 and up every one or two years. However, if you’re at greater risk of certain eye diseases or conditions, you usually start getting dilated eye exams every year or two, beginning at age 40.  

Your ethnic background is also a factor, as members of particular groups may have higher occurrences of specific conditions, making frequent dilated eye exams advisable. Similarly, your eye health history, current overall health matter, and the reason you’re coming in for an appointment.  

What to Expect from a Dilation Eye Exam  

Dilated eye exams aren’t any more invasive than a traditional one. Your eye care provider will apply drops that dilate your pupils, which may sting slightly for a brief period or could cause some mild eye-watering for a few moments. While somewhat uncomfortable, most people wouldn’t classify the drops as a painful experience.  

Once your pupils dilate, you may have some light sensitivity and some mild blurriness. Usually, that only lasts a few hours, as the drops wear off during that timeframe. That could make driving more difficult, even if you wear sunglasses, so it’s usually best to have someone drive you after your appointment.  

Working, studying, or similar activities may be harder while your eyes are dilated, too. As a result, it’s best to plan for several hours where engaging in those types of tasks isn’t necessary.  

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patient’s eyes are our priority. If you would like to learn more about dilation eye exams or haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today. 

 

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Why Is My Vision Getting Worse?

Many people know that vision changes can occur at any time. However, if your vision is declining year after year or suddenly takes a turn for the worst, you may wonder why it’s happening.  

Here is a look at common reasons for declining vision, as well as the symptoms you may experience.  

Aging  

As people age, their visual acuity typically decreases, especially when it comes to near-vision. Often, this process is unavoidable. Additionally, it’s normal for vision to decline further as time passes.  

Often, age-related vision changes begin around middle age, commonly among adults over 40. During that time, presbyopia – a loss of lens flexibility – can alter visual acuity, particularly when viewing nearby objects. However, some may not see shifts until they’re far beyond 40, while others may see these changes begin earlier.  

Usually, the most common symptoms of age-related changes are trouble reading small print, fatigue after reading, holding items farther away to read, needing brighter light, and squinting.  

Injury  

An eye injury can lead to a range of physical changes that may impact your vision. If the optic nerve is damaged, it can cause significant vision loss. Similarly, an injury-related retinal detachment may cause a rise in the number of floaters, bright light flashes, and blurriness.  

Eye injuries can also cause other kinds of damage, many of which require quick treatment to prevent or reduce vision loss. Since that’s the case, fast action is always recommended, including seeing your eye health provider for an immediate assessment.  

UV Damage  

UV light harms the eyes, potentially leading to vision changes. Often, the damage begins during childhood, a period when most people aren’t as cautious when it comes to eye health. However, it may not be apparent until adulthood. Additionally, choices as an adult also influence the equation.  

In most cases, UV damage leads to blurriness. Eye pain, redness, and light sensitivity are also symptoms you may experience.  

Eye Strain  

Due to the rise of digital devices, eye strain is surprisingly common, and it can lead to certain vision changes. When people view screens, they tend to blink less. Additionally, they’re keeping their focus on a specific distance.  

In most cases, tiredness or fatigue is the most apparent symptom, coupled with dry, itchy, or burning eyes. However, you may experience headaches, light sensitivity, and soreness, too.  

Cataracts  

Technically, cataracts are another age-related reason for vision decline. As proteins in the lens break down, they can cloud the lens, leading to blurry vision.  

Along with being very common, cataracts are typically incredibly treatable, particularly when caught early. Some signs of cataracts include blurriness, glare, halos, and faded or yellowed colors.  

Glaucoma  

Glaucoma is a condition involving elevated pressure in the eye, leading to damage to the optic nerve. As the damage occurs, peripheral vision typically declines first. Blurriness and halos may also develop, as well as trouble seeing in low-light conditions.  

In some cases, glaucoma is also accompanied by pain. However, that isn’t always the case.  

Since vision changes are potentially caused by a range of conditions, including some severe problems that can lead to permanent vision loss, it’s best to see your eye health provider whenever you notice a shift. Additionally, attending your annual appointments ensures your provider can monitor your eye health and take quick action should they spot an issue that’s yet to result in symptoms.  

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patient’s eyes are our priority. If you are experiencing vision changes or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.  

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Fall Eye Care Tips

For many people, fall is their favorite time of year. The heat of the summer starts to fade, and the leaves start changing, introducing warm, vibrant colors to the world.  

While many people would assume that special eye care precautions aren’t necessary during the fall, that isn’t the case. If you want to make sure your eyes stay healthy, here are some fall eye care tips that can help.  

Wash Your Hands Regularly  

Many people wouldn’t think that hand washing has much to do with eye health. However, you’re less likely to contract certain infections, including conjunctivitis or pink eye, by keeping your hands clean.  

Plus, once the weather starts to turn colder, cold and flu season isn’t far behind. Since those viruses may enter the body through the eyes, washing your hands reduces your chances of catching them.  

The same goes for COVID-19. Evidence suggests that touching your eyes after contacting something that had the virus on it could cause you to fall ill.  

By washing your hands, incidentally contacting your eyes is less risky. As a result, you may be less likely to end up ill this fall.  

Prevent Dry Eye  

When outside temperatures fall, dry eye becomes more common. The outdoor air can sap moisture, and heaters inside homes, businesses, and vehicles can lead to drier conditions.  

In most cases, artificial tears are enough to keep you comfortable. However, if you have allergies or chronic dry eye, you may need something more robust. Speak to your eye doctor about your symptoms to see what’s right for you.  

Wear Sunglasses  

Since the days are shorter and cooler, many people put their sunglasses away. However, the sun produces harmful rays all year round. By wearing sunglasses with UV protection, you shield them from potential damage.  

Plus, sunglasses can help you see more clearly. You won’t have to squint in bright light, ensuring you can enjoy sunny afternoons outdoors with greater ease.  

Keep Safety Glasses on Hand  

Many fall activities can be potentially dangerous for your eyes. For example, raking leaves can increase the number of particles in the air. Without eye protection, the odds of an irritant getting into your eye go up.  

Additionally, many people begin preparing firewood in the winter. As your chopping, pieces of the log can break away, potentially striking you in the eye. There’s a barrier between you and flying debris by wearing eye protection, reducing your odds of a serious eye injury.  

Have an Eye-Friendly Halloween  

Halloween is a time for customs and fun. However, it should also be a time for eye health, ensuring you make smart choices that won’t harm your eyes.  

If you’re dressing up this Halloween and need heavy makeup to complete the look, make sure you buy the right type. Not all cosmetics are safe to use around the eye area, so look for versions that won’t cause irritation.  

If you’re thinking about wearing cosmetic contact lenses, be cautious. Most non-prescription decorative lenses won’t fit properly, increasing the odds that they’ll scratch your eye, cause an ulcer, or lead to an eye infection. In those cases, the damage can be significant, potentially resulting in permanent vision reduction or loss.  

For decorative lenses, don’t buy over-the-counter. Instead, head to your eye doctor for a high-quality, properly-fitted pair.  

Schedule Your Eye Exam  

If you haven’t had an eye exam this year, make fall eye health season by scheduling your appointment right away. That way, your eye doctor can check your eyes and vision to see if any issues need addressing.  

At ECVA, we take the safety and health of our patients’ eyes seriously. If you need an eye exam this fall, we are here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.  

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Why Are My Eyes So Watery?

At times, water eyes are simply an occasional annoyance. However, since excessive tearing (epiphora) can have various causes, watery eyes may also be a symptom of a medical condition.  

By understanding the various causes of watery eyes, you can find relief and determine if you need to see an eye doctor. Here is a look at why your eyes might be particularly watery.  

You Just Woke Up  

When you wake up in the morning, opening your eyes exposes your pupils to a sudden bout of bright light. That simple act can lead to tearing, with the watery eyes usually subsiding in a few minutes.  

Dry Eyes  

Dry eyes can lead to bouts of excessive tearing. Whether you have chronic dry eye or your eyes dry out due to an activity – like being overly focused on a computer screen – or environmental change – such as going outside on a cold, windy day – more tears are your body’s solution. When your body tries to relubricate your eyes, it can produce more tears than are usually necessary, leading to a short period of wateriness.  

Contact Lenses  

Contact lenses can disrupt eye lubrication and act as a mild eye irritant, both of which can lead to tearing. If the tearing is occasional, it may be no more than an annoyance. If it’s disruptive, you may want to see your eye doctor to determine if your contacts are the wrong material for you, improperly fit, or if you’re simply wearing them too long each day.  

Blocked Punctum  

In some cases, the issue isn’t the amount of tears you produce but your eye’s inability to drain the tears properly. If you have a blocked punctum, the tears can’t leave the eye properly, causing your eyes to be watery.  

Often, blockages caused by minor infections or colds clear on their own in time. However, if the situation isn’t resolving, your eye doctor can examine the issue and remove the blockage.  

Conjunctivitis  

Along with blocking the punctum, an infection can lead to watery eyes. Usually, you’ll have other symptoms as well, such as redness, discomfort, or fever.  

Treating the underlying infection is usually the best way to relieve any symptoms. You’ll want to see your eye doctor to determine which course of treatment is best for your condition.  

Debris  

Small pieces of debris can typically lead to eye tearing. This goes for debris that’s small enough not to be outwardly noticeable, as well as bigger pieces. For example, even a tiny bit of eyeliner or eyeshadow may cause tearing, even if you don’t feel any in your eye.  

Allergies  

When you’re exposed to an allergen, your body release histamine, which can cause an allergic reaction, that allergic reaction may include excessive tearing, causing your eyes to become watery.  

Usually, allergy-related tearing is a straightforward situation. With the right allergy treatment, the issue usually resolves.  

Cornea Issues  

A scratch, sore, or ulcer on your cornea can lead to inflammation, as well as excessive tearing. Usually, the condition is painful and results in light sensitivity. If you experience any of those symptoms, it’s best to see your eye doctor.  

Other Causes  

While the issues above are some of the most common ones, other conditions can lead to watery eyes. Chemical exposure, harmful fumes, eye injuries, facial surgery, nerve conditions, and certain medications are just some of the possibilities.  

At ECVA, we take the safety and health of our patients’ eyes seriously. If you are concerned about watery eyes or excessive tearing, we are here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.  

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UV Protection and Your Eyes

Most people know that ultraviolet (UV) light can be damaging thanks to its connection to sunburns and skin cancer. However, many people don’t realize that the risk can extend to their eyes as well. When UV rays harm the eyes, the result can be catastrophic. That makes protecting your eyes especially important, not just during the summer, but all year-round.  

If you are wondering why you need to take steps to reduce UV exposure to your eyes and what you can do, here’s what you need to know.  

What Is UV Light  

UV refers to a specific portion of the light spectrum, a part that isn’t detectable by the human eye. The rays that fall in that category can be divided into three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC.  

All forms of UV light (which may also be referred to as UV radiation) can be potentially harmful. UVA can make it way beyond the cornea, coming into contact with the lens and retina. This allows it to potentially damage a variety of cells, particularly when overexposure is an issue.  

The cornea more commonly absorbs UVB. That means nearly 100 percent of its energy – and the potential harm it can cause – is focused on that part of the eye.  

When it comes to the most damaging kind of UV light, UVC would usually qualify. However, the vast majority is blocked by the ozone layer in the atmosphere, automatically limiting a person’s exposure.  

Eye Conditions Connected to UV Exposure  

It’s important to note that UV light can cause temporary and long-term damage. However, the more exposure there is, the higher the chance a condition will develop.  

Just like your skin, your eyes can become sunburned. This is a short-term condition, but the damage can be serious, especially if the burn is severe.  

Your risk of cancer also rises. Melanoma can develop around the eye area, including on the lids and your conjunctiva. You can actually develop melanoma inside your eye, usually in the uvea, which is the layer between your sclera and your retina. Typically, you won’t see signs of cancer developing in a mirror, which increases the odds that it will advance before its detected.  

There are a variety of other conditions that can be caused by UV light. Photokeratitis, pinguecula, and pterygium are all connected to UVB exposure. UVA has been linked to certain cataract formations. Additionally, some evidence suggests overexposure increases a person’s risk for macular degeneration.  

Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Eyes  

Previously, we’ve discussed how sunglasses can be great protection against UV light. Some options can block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB light, making them the best options, especially in wrap-around designs.  

However, they aren’t the only choice. You can get coatings on eyeglasses that block up to 100 percent of UV, for example. Many contact lenses provide some protection against UV light, with class 1 lenses blocking 96 percent and 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays, respectively.  

Maintaining your eye doctor appointments is also critical. That way, they can check your eyes for UV-related conditions, including ocular melanoma.  

Helping You See More Clearly 

If you want to make sure your eyes are healthy, schedule an appointment at your nearest ECVA clinic today. Our experienced team works diligently to maintain our patients’ health, including identifying problems that may be caused by overexposure to UV light. Our optical shop can help you choose UV-blocking eyeglasses or sunglasses, ensuring your eyes always have the protection they need.