Hitting the slopes anytime soon? Before taking on those black diamonds you might want to consider investing in quality eyewear protection. Most people often forget that ski goggles are just as important as the other required-equipment for sports like skiing and snowboarding. Each thrilling ride down the mountain presents harmful sun rays, glare, blustery winds and falling snow. Dr. Samuel N. Garrett, ophthalmologist and founder at Virginia Beach Eye Center says, “Wearing the correct ski goggles can provide an excellent barrier against most of these natural obstacles.”

During peak skiing and snowboard hours, the sun’s reflection on the snow is very bright and intense. At higher altitudes, the atmosphere is thinner and filters less ultraviolet (UV) rays causing very harmful sun exposure and glare. Too much exposure can cause a painful sunburn on your eyes, called photokeratitis, also known as “snow blindness”.  Snow blindness is a burn on the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) by ultraviolet B rays. Symptoms can include tearing, pain, redness, swollen eyelids, halos around lights, hazy vision, and temporary loss of vision. Long-term exposure to UV rays can damage your eyes permanently and may lead to cataracts, pterygium, and eye-related skin cancers. Dr. Garrett recommends that you purchase ski goggles that block 99-100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays with a dark tinted lens. Darker lenses typically block out more sunlight than that of rose, green or clear colored lenses.  Goggles with a darker tint are best suited to protect against intense sunlight, while lighter tints are great for cloudy days or night skiing sessions.

When descending fast down the mountain, one bad fall can cause injury to the face and eyes. Regular glasses do not provide sufficient protection during winter sports, and a broken lens may even cut the eye. It is important to purchase ski goggles with flexible frame and lens; the more flexible the less likely the lens will break or pop out. Most goggles have polycarbonate lenses; this material is much more impact-resistant than regular plastic .If you do happen to sustain an eye injury, Dr. Garrett says you should see an ophthalmologist or visit the nearest emergency room right away, even if the injury seems minor at first. Delaying medical attention can cause the damaged areas to worsen and could result in permanent vision loss or blindness.

For all your vision care needs visit Virginia Beach Eye Center, at 465 North Great Neck Road. Virginia Beach Eye Center specializes in the latest vision technology and offers comprehensive, state-of-the-art eye care services including testing, diagnosis, and treatment for diseases of the eye; laser vision correction, refractive lens exchange, cataract surgery, and other ophthalmic procedures using the most advanced techniques.  The center also provides optometry and optician services.  For more information, visit www.vbeye.com or call 481-5555

Decorative contact lenses sales spike during the Halloween season, and for costume crazed individuals, buying decorative lenses can put that finishing touch to any outfit. However, optometrist Joy Tomko at Virginia Beach Eye Center cautions trick-or- treaters to beware of the potential dangers decorative contact lenses can cause if not properly fitted.

Wearing contact lens without obtaining a prescription from a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist can cause serious eye disorders and infections that may lead to blindness. Many consumers are not aware of the real dangers of wearing decorative contact lenses. Most believe that because decorative lenses do not correct vision, and are purely cosmetic, there are no risk involved. It is important to know that even with prefect vision; an eye exam and a prescription from an eye-care professional is required in order to wear any kind of contact lenses.

In 2005, all contact lenses were classified as medical devices under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. This classification called for all contact lenses, worn for ANY purpose, including decorative contact lenses, to require a valid prescription and that lenses could not be sold to consumers without one. The danger of wearing decorative contact lenses without a prescription is improper fit. Contact lenses are not designed to be “one size fits all,” and improper fit can cause serious eye damage including scratches on the cornea, corneal infection, decreased vision and even blindness.

To safely wear decorative contact lenses, visit an eye-care professional. They will measure the cornea, the front surface of the eye, to determine the best size, shape, and compatibility for each individual. Your eye-care professional will also discuss proper care and cleaning of the contact lens. Once a prescription has been provided you can purchase contact lens from most eye-care professional or mail-order company, but be sure to only purchase from companies that sells FDA-cleared or approved contact lenses and requires you to provide a prescription.

Dr. Joy Tomko is an experienced optometrist at Virginia Beach Eye Center, a state-licensed, Medicare-certified, AAAHC-accredited ambulatory surgery center and full service Eye Care Center of Excellence at 465 North Great Neck Road specializing in the latest vision technology and offering comprehensive, state-of-the-art eye care services including testing, diagnosis, and treatment for diseases of the eye; laser vision correction, refractive lens exchange, cataract surgery, and other ophthalmic procedures using the most advanced techniques. The center also provides optometry and optician services.