Learn About the Importance of UV Protection from Your St. Johnsbury Optometrist
Sunlight contains ultraviolet radiation, a type of powerful light energy so strong that it causes molecules to split and actually change their chemical structure. Modification of molecules by UV radiation is harmful to people and animals, causing irreversible cellular damage and even genetic code mutations. When UV radiation is absorbed by the eye lens, it produces free radicals responsible for the accumulation of excess proteins in the eye. Eventually, if your eyes suffer enough UV radiation damage, these proteins may start to clump together to create cataracts. In addition to glaucoma, cataracts are one the most diagnosed eye diseases in the world. Unlike glaucoma, however, cataract development can be delayed or prevented by visiting your Montpelier optometrist for regular exams and obtaining a prescription for sunglasses. 
Protect Your Eyelids with Prescription Sunglasses
Did you know your eyelids are vulnerable to developing skin cancer? Your eyelid skin is more translucent than facial skin and especially sensitive to the damaging energy of UV radiation. In addition, eyelid skin contains less fat and pigment cells than skin covering other parts of your body, two components of your skin that help absorb and neutralize UV radiation. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common types of eyelid cancers. Although squamous and basal cell cancers are treatable, the lack of subcutaneous tissue in your eyelid skin could allow eyelid cancer to spread into the nasal passages and orbital cavities behind the eye. If you consistently expose your eyelids to UV radiation, have pale skin that burns easily or have been previously diagnosed with skin cancer, please call your Lancaster optometrist to schedule an eye exam and learn more about protective eyewear.
Contact Your St. Johnsbury Optometrist Today
Sunglasses prevent UV rays from damaging the lenses of the eyes and your eyelid skin by absorbing non-UV wavelengths and reflecting UV wavelengths. Your eye doctor can provide you with lenses for sunglasses that block sunlight while absorbing potentially dangerous wavelengths existing within the electromagnetic spectrum. Contact Shippee Family Eye Care today to start protecting your eyes from UV radiation with our superior quality eyewear! We look forward to meeting with you!