While the sun’s UV rays can come in contact with our eyes at any time of year, the warm summer months often increase exposure to these harmful rays. Exposure to UV rays can lead to several conditions of the eye, including cataracts, macular degeneration, keratitis and cancers of the eye, all of which can lead to eventual blindness. Additionally, many diagnosed skin cancers are on eyelids and in the areas around the eyes. The following steps can be taken to limit the impact of UV rays on one’s eyes and help eye damage and conditions from worsening:
- Wear sunglasses
- Make sure to wear sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection
- If you wear glasses, consider UV protection lens coatings
- Put on a sun hat
- Apply sunscreen with care around your eyes
- Eat foods that support eye health
- Consider eating foods that are high in vitamins A, C, and E. Leafy green vegetables such as kale, spinach and romaine lettuce as well as eggs contain certain antioxidants that can boost in preventing cancers of the eyes. Omega fatty acids found in some fish can increase overall eye health as well.
- Remember that clouds do not block UV light
- Be aware that UV rays are stronger at altitude and when reflected off of water, ice and snow
- Select appropriate color sunglass lenses based on different activities – see VSP’s resource on sunglass lens colors for more information
- Schedule an eye exam annually
Those enrolled in Marquette’s vision insurance plan through VSP can care for their eyes by taking advantage of an annual vision exam at any VSP provider with no copay (contact lens exam includes up to $20 copay). The plan also provides primary eyecare benefits including retinal screening as well as diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions such as pink eye, vision loss and cataracts with no copay when seen at a VSP provider.
While members of the plan have a built-in frame allowance, they can receive an additional $50 to spend on featured frame brands at all network locations or on any frame at Visionworks and Eyemart Express. They also receive an additional 20% off prescription glasses or sunglasses from a VSP provider within 12 months of their last vision exam. The VSP vision benefit includes the use of Eyeconic, an online shopping tool that connects your eyewear, insurance coverage and the VSP network, as well as provides its Virtual Try-On Tool. VSP exclusive member extras provide even more opportunities to save.
For further information on additional features of the vision benefit and how to find a VSP network doctor, check out the Vision Insurance page.
