UV Protection

Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Quality Sunglasses
Every day, whether it’s sunny or cloudy, no matter what season – we are exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun.

Can the sun damage your eyes?
Most of the time, we aren’t even aware we are being bombarded with potentially damaging radiation (light). Just as the sun can damage your skin (burning, premature aging, and skin cancer) it can also have damaging effects in the eye.

How can UV rays affect your eyes?
There are two types of radiation in sunlight that affect the eye - UVA and UVB. UVA exposure affects the lens in the eye and has been linked to an increased chance of cataract development (a clouding of the lens of the eye). UVB affects the retina and can cause severe damage. The damage from harmful UV radiation is cumulative over a person’s lifetime. Because of this, it’s important to protect your eyes every day, in all light conditions.

Can sunglasses help protect your eyes?
Sunglasses, with and without a prescription, that can block out nearly all UV light are readily available and helpful. Eyeglass lenses with UV blocking characteristics protect the eyes and significantly reduce the chance of vision problems caused by sunlight. 

What are some tips for choosing the right sunglasses?
Here are some important tips when considering lenses with UV protection (sunglasses):

• Look for sunglasses that block at least 99% of ultraviolet rays, both UVA and UVB.
• Lenses should be gray, green, or brown, and the larger the lenses, the better. Wrap-around sunglasses provide an extra measure of protection.
• The best sunglasses are those purchased from an optometrist or optician.  This ensures the sunglasses have the appropriate amounts of filtering for both types of ultraviolet radiation (UV) and are the best protection for your eyes while in the sun.
• Sunglasses purchased from a department store or a street vendor may not provide important UV protection. There is no assurance eyewear, no matter how dark the lens, will protect against UV rays.
• Polarized sun lenses are excellent at providing glare free vision, enhanced contrast vision, 100% UV protection, outstanding color perception, and reducing eye fatigue resulting from bright light conditions from the sun.
• Photochromic lenses (lenses that darken when exposed to UV light) are a good choice for an everyday lens because they automatically protect against UV.  However, it is important to recognize not all plastic photochromic lenses block 100% of UV radiation.

Should I wear sunglasses all year long?
UV light from the sun is harmful even in the winter. Snowboarders and skiers should always wear tinted goggles, as UV light bounces off snow even on the cloudiest of days.

Summer is upon us and due to the increase in sunlight associated with longer days, many individuals are thinking about the value of sunglasses. If you are planning to purchase sunglasses, make the kind of selection in sun wear and lenses that will reduce the uncomfortable glare of bright sunlight, while providing you with UV protection important to your ocular health. Ask The Eye Institute’s expert opticians in Eyeworks about the many lens options available for UV protection.

Many college and university students do not have a vision care benefit as part of their health coverage. The Eye Institute of The Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University is pleased to offer the following discount eye care and eyewear benefit to college and university students. The vision benefit includes the following components:

• Fee reduction for routine comprehensive vision and ocular health evaluations
• Reduction in contact lens fitting fees
• Reduction in professional services at the William Feinbloom Low Vision Service
• Reduction in professional services for Vision Therapy related services
• Fee reduction for all specialty ophthalmology services (if not covered by medical insurance)
• Discounts on all frames and lenses
• For complete details

Free vision screenings at The Eye Institute (Oaklane location) are available Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons from 1:00 – 4:00 pm. 

When coming in for a free vision screening, enter our Oaklane facility and tell the security officer you would like to have a vision screening. The officer will then summon personnel to assist you.

What is a Vision Screening?
A vision screening is not a substitute for a comprehensive eye examination. A vision screening will include testing visual acuity, screening for glaucoma and a general eye health examination. Since this is not a full exam, you will not receive a prescription for glasses. The vision screening may reveal problems that require attention, and if so, you will be counseled on how to proceed with your eye care.

Is there a fee for the screening?
No. However, if you choose to schedule a full exam at The Eye Institute after the screening, there will be a fee for the examination, assuming your insurance coverage does not have a vision care benefit.

How long will the screening take?
The screening process takes approximately 15 minutes. Wait time may depend upon the number of people waiting to be screened.

Will follow-up care be available?
Yes. Screening participants should return to their optometrist for a comprehensive examination. If you do not have a doctor, you can schedule an appointment at any one of the three Eye Institute locations.