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Tuesday, July 6,2021 ®jjt Tleraltr 3A How to choose the right pair of sunglasses Sunscreen is essential to protect skin against potential sun damage, but what about keeping the eyes safe from the sun? Are the eyes vulner able to significant sun- related damage as well? According to the Cal vert Ophthalmology Cen ter, ultraviolet rays from the sun can contribute to various eye problems. These can range from temporary vision loss to macular degeneration. When spending time in the sun, it’s vital that individuals take steps to protect their eyes. One of the ways to do just that is to wear sunglasses. All sunglasses are not created equal. Quality sunglasses protect the eyes from UV rays, re duce eyestrain in bright conditions and protect the eyes from flying debris. Here’s how to find the right pair of sunglasses for you: • Check the UV rating. Sunglasses should block 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays. UV rays can contribute to cata racts and even destroy the retina, which is the lining at the back of the eyes. In addition, UV light can cause changes in the cells of the eyes that may produce discomfort or even lead to cancer. Make sure the label indi cates that the sunglasses protect against UVA and UVB rays. • Wear large sunglass es. The more coverage from sunglasses the better. The American Optometric Association advises that oversized or wraparound sunglasses are best, as they can cut down on the UV rays entering the eye from the side. • Don’t be fooled by dark lenses. Dark lenses do not necessarily block more UV rays than light-colored lenses. It is important to look at the label to see the UV rating. • Select functional sunglasses. The sport ing goods experts at RE1 state that certain sunglasses are specifi cally designed for certain activities. Sport sun glasses, for example are designed for running, bik ing and hiking. They’re lightweight and fit tightly so they stay on while ex ercising. Their frame and lens materials also may be more impact-resistant than casual sunglasses. Glacier glasses are sport sunglasses that protect the eyes from intense light at high altitudes and against reflections from snow. • Know the functions of polarized lenses. Polarization helps reduce glare coming off of reflec tive surfaces, such as water. Note that polariza tion will not offer more protection from the sun, but it makes engaging in certain activities more comfortable. • Recognize that the color of lenses also helps. In addition to polarization, the color of lenses can affect how much visible light reaches the eyes and af fects clarity. Brown, gray and green are ideal for everyday use and most outdoor activities. Light colors like rose, yellow and amber are good in low to moderate light conditions. They can improve the visibility of objects and make sur roundings seem brighter. Shop smart when selecting sunglasses to keep eyes healthy and comfortable. Eye exam recommendation schedules Routine eye exams should be a vital com ponent of everyone’s healthcare routine. Such examinations can help people learn if they need prescription eyeglasses and if their existing prescriptions need to be updated, and they also can uncover other seri ous health issues. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology®, a comprehensive eye exam can uncover such prob lems as aneurysms, brain tumors, diabetes, high blood pressure, and as sorted cancers, including those of the blood, tissue or skin. Eye exams can be as effective at safeguard ing your overall health as they can at protecting your vision. The recommended frequency with which people should receive eye exams is based largely on age, though no one should hesitate to schedule an exam if their eyes are bother ing them or if they are experiencing any abnor malities with their eyes. In addition, some people may need more frequent eye exams depending on their medical histories, which should be dis cussed at length with a physician. Children and adults without preexisting conditions and those not experiencing any ab normal vision problems can adhere to this eye examination schedule, courtesy of the American Optometric Association. • Birth to two years: Children in this age group should receive eye exams between six to 12 months of age. • Age three to five: Children in this age group should receive at least one eye exam between their third and fifth birthdays. • Age six to 17 years: Children in this age group should receive one eye exam prior to begin ning first grade and then an annual exam thereaf ter. • Age 18 to 64: Adults between the ages of 18 and 64 should receive an eye exam at least once every two years. • Age 65 and older: Annual eye exams are recommended for men and women age 65 and older. Eye examinations help people preserve and im prove their vision while also promoting long-term overall health. These vital components of healthy lifestyles should not be overlooked. ShepherdCare H o i p l c E Contact: Meredith Smith Director of Marketing 678-603-1321 "CARE" it's not just our name, it's our lifestyle! GRIFFIN OFFICE: 1501B Kalamazoo Dr., Griffin, GA 30224 THOM ASTON OFFICE: 201 N. Church St., Thomaston, GA 30286 We service all surrounding counties to each office. www.ShepherdCareGA.com 9 signs your young child is having vision problems As many a parent can attest, decoding a young ster’s needs can be chal lenging when that child is not yet able to fully communicate. Diagnosing health issues may require a little trial and error. So it’s no wonder many parents are not aware if their children are having issues with vision. Routine wellness exams by your child’s physician can help to determine if a child is having problems with his or her vision. Doctors may detect subtleties that parents may not see, including signs that suggest kids are having trouble with their vision. The American Opto metric Association rec ommends vision exams at age six months, three years and before entering first grade, as well as ev ery two years thereafter until age 18. Initial vision assessments typically take place in a pediatri cian’s office. Parents can speak with their chil dren’s pediatrician and ask if he or she can look for signs of vision trouble in their sons or daugh ters. Some pediatricians may recommend children visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist. In addition to speaking with their children’s pe diatricians, parents can keep an eye out for the following warning signs children may exhibit when they’re experienc ing vision disorders. • Squinting, which can be a sign of compensat ing for poor vision. • Sitting too close to the television or holding a tablet screen close to the face. • Covering or shutting one eye. • Rubbing eyes due to visual fatigue and not general fatigue. • Pulling toys or other objects closer. • Head tilting, which could be a signal that vi sion may be better in one eye than the other. • Inability to make steady eye contact or track an object in an infant older than three months of age. • Crossed or mis aligned eyes after age four months. • Children who are easily distracted in learn ing situations or have difficulty paying attention may be losing interest due to trouble with their vision. A proactive approach to eye health by par ents when children are young can help correct problems early on and ensure children can see and function successfully through the years. Early treatment can lead to ma jor, long-term improve ments in vision. Learn about preventative care and screenings. Get our experts’ take on the latest diet crazes, nutritional supplements and exercise trends and more! QClUnatti <@a^tfg barnesville.com Call Today To Advertise! 770.358.6397 email: missy@barnesville.com Georgia Department of Public Health District 4 Public Health LAMAR COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT Lamar County Health Department 100 Academy Drive Barneville, GA 30204 Phone (770)358-1483 Make your appointment today! Clinic: 1(800)847-4262 /(706)845-4035 WIC: 1(866)636-7942 / (706)298-6080 Hours Monday - Friday 8:00a.m.- 5:00p.m. m © www.district4health.org District4Health © D4publichealth HiffH H Serving: Butts, Carroll, Coweta, Fayette, [^0 PrOtCCt Lives. 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