Ultraviolet (UV) Eye Protection in Maine

    PORTLAND, ME, May 27, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- "As we approach the summer months with most of us spending increased time outdoors and in particular on the waterfront, it is a good time to remind people about the need for ultraviolet (UV) eye protection on the Maine coast," said Clement Berry, Chief Executive Officer of Eyecare Medical Group in Portland. "For the most part, patients know the harmful effects that ultraviolet (UV) rays can have on the skin, but many are not aware of the damage that they can cause to the eyes," said Maine Corneal Specialist Ravi Shah, M.D. "The most frightening aspect of UV damage is that it is cumulative, meaning the negative effects may not present themselves until years later," commented Maine Cataract Surgeon Bruce Cassidy, M.D.

Today although almost everyone is aware of the potential damage that sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause to their skin, most do not know or appreciate that ultraviolet light (UV) can also cause significant damage to eye health and vision. "Most of us wouldn't dream of staying outside in the sun without putting on sunscreen lotion," said Dr. Cassidy. "But we also need to remember to wear both UV-blocking lenses and a brimmed hat to protect our eyes as well."

Patients are fortunate to have wide range of UV protecting eyeglass lenses available to choose from. Eye protection from UV needs to be complete but doesn't have to be overly expensive. High quality sunglasses should block out 99-100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation. It is also important to have UV protection in everyday eyewear, which is readily available with a number of UV blocking eyeglass lens materials, specialized coatings and photochromic lenses.

"We know that extended exposure to UV has been linked to many eye problems, conditions and in some cases thought to quicken the onset of eye diseases such as Cataract, Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), certain cancers on the delicate skin around the eye, Pterygia-a growth of white tissue on the surface of the eye-and even Photokeratitis, a type of sunburn of the cornea," said Dr. Shah.

"We would be pleased to recommend qualified Optometrists and Opticians throughout Maine who are able to provide the proper counseling and fitting of UV protecting lenses and eyewear. These eye care professionals can offer a wide variety of UV blocking lenses, coatings and color changing lenses to keep you safe," said Clement Berry, Chief Executive Officer of Eyecare Medical Group.

Eyecare Medical Group is a leading ophthalmology practice in Portland, Maine staffed by a team of eye care specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained glaucoma specialists, retina specialists, cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and lens implants, (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.

To learn more about Eyecare Medical Group in Portland Maine you may visit http://www.eyecaremed.com or http://www.facebook.com/eyecaremedicalgroup

SOURCE: Medical Management Services Group, L.L.C.
http://www.aboutcataractsurgery.com
http://www.seewithlasik.com

For additional information, contact:
Kathy Brackett, Eyecare Medical Group, 53 Sewall Street, Portland, Maine 04102, [email protected], 1-888-374-2020

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