theconnectionsnj.com HEALTH & WELLNESS PAGE 17 The Optical Shoppe at Bedminster Eye 400 Main Street, Bedminster, NJ 07921 Monday 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Tuesday-Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Saturday 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM Email: optical.bedminstereye@comcast.net • (908) 719-2020 Maui Jim • Ray-Ban • Fysh • Tom Ford • Kliik • Lightec • Flexon • Oakley Silhouette • Kate Spade • Longchamp • Salvatore Ferragamo NIKE • Calvin Klein • Pro Design • STATE We accept VSP and most EyeMed Plans This Summer, ADD a Pair & SAVE! Buy Prescription Eyeglasses and Get 50% off 2nd pair Prescription Sunglasses Cannot be combined with other offers or insurance See optician for details Expires 8/31/25 Excludes Maui Jim Our mission is to provide everything you need for your best vision, from the latest in advances in medical & surgical care to selecting the right eyeglasses. We Have The Latest Styles! Find Your Perfect Frames! Please scan the QR code to visit our eyeglass gallery! any love the summer sun and the beach, but too often, the sun and the beach do not love you back! Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun cause skin damage, as well as pose a significant threat to eye health. The best protection for your eyes? Sunglasses with 100% UV protection. Q. Are 100% UV Protection sunglasses really that important? A. Yes! Regardless of the season, it’s crucial to wear “100% UV-rated” sunglasses. Wearing sunglasses without 100% UV protection poses a serious health risk. Sun exposure can increase the risk of developing eye damage, eye growths, cataracts, and certain eye cancers. Fortunately, protecting yourself from the sun is straightforward: simply look for the 100% UV protection label. Q. How do UV rays damage our eyes? A. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) wants you to know that selecting sunglasses that block 99-100% of UV-A and UV-B radiation is the best way to protect your eyes from the sun’s damaging rays. • UV-A: Can hurt your central vision. It can damage the macula, a part of the retina at the back of your eye. • UV-B: The front part of your eye (the cornea and the lens) absorbs most UV-B rays, but these rays may cause even more damage to your eyes than UV-A rays. Q. Can my eyes get “sunburned”? A. During the summer months, UV exposure is more intense, so wearing 100% UV protective sunglasses is very important. Similar to a sunburn on our skin, too much UV exposure can cause an eye condition called keratitis. It is like a temporary sunburn on the front of your eye, where the cornea gets damaged. It’s painful, but it’s something we can avoid by taking precautions. Q. How do I know if I am making the right choices protecting my eyes? A. If you are worried about potential UV damage, have an eye condition or have any questions about which sunglasses are right for you, visit an ophthalmologist or eye care professional for a comprehensive eye exam. What’s more, be sure to shop at an optical shop with experienced opticians to help you make the proper sunglass selection for your needs. Tips on Choosing Sunglasses • Only buy glasses marked 100% UV protection. Look for labels indicating 99-100% UVA/UVB protection or UV400. • Darker lenses don’t protect better. While very dark lenses may look cool, they do not necessarily block more UV rays. Color doesn’t matter. • Amber, green, or gray lenses do not block more sun but can improve contrast, making it easier to see objects, especially in sports like golf or baseball. • Polarized lenses cut glare, not UV. They can make your eyes more comfortable by reducing the glare coming off reflective surfaces like water or pavement and can make driving and activities like water sports safer, easier, and more enjoyable. • Bigger is better. The more coverage from sunglasses, the less sun damage inflicted on the eyes. Consider buying oversized glasses or wraparound-style glasses, which help cut down on UV entering the eye from the side. • Wear a hat. A broad-brimmed hat can help shield your eyes from the sun’s rays. • Be a smart shopper. Make sure to buy from trusted sources. Inexpensive sunglasses that look like they’re from a big brand might be fake and won’t protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. 400 Main Street, Bedminster • 908-781-2020 Teaneck Eye and Laser Center • 201-833-8333 How to Protect Your Eyes Against Harmful Summer UV Rays Wear 100% UV Protection Sunglasses! By Lawrence Najarian, M.D. and Lisa Ortenzio, O.D. ASK THE EYE DOCTOR M
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