Give your eyes a break

Summer is best known as the season of glare-related eyestrain, when you experience stinging of the eyes because of too much concentrated sunlight. But did you also know that eyestrain can be caused by other factors? Indoors, your eyes can also suffer long-term damage after facing the TV, gadgets or computer monitors at less than a foot away.

While light is an essential part of daily life – helping you see, regulating your body clock, and even providing you with much-needed Vitamin D – too much of it can cause painful eye conditions, including eyelid twitches, eye pain and extreme sensitivity to bright light. In severe cases, overexposure can permanently damage your central vision. Harmful blue light from artificial sources such as electronic devices causes retinal cell degeneration, while ultra-violet radiation from the sun contributes to the development of cataracts. 

“Everyone, no matter the age or gender, should protect their eyes daily from bad effects of excessive exposure to light,” shares Dr. Emelita Roleda, Essilor Philippines general manager. “The effects of overexposure to UV rays and harmful blue-violet light may only be visible during adulthood, when vision problems like Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) set in, so we highly advice the Filipino public to take preventive measures against them.”

Essilor, the world’s leading ophthalmic optics company, has come up with a solution that protects vision: Crizal® Prevencia multi-coated lenses, which selectively filters bad blue light and lets in essential good light needed for well-being.

“Essilor has undergone a rigid and thorough process in the creation of Crizal® Prevencia,” explains Dr. Roleda. “Its advanced light scan technology enables us to protect our eyes from irreversible eye conditions which threaten healthy vision.”

In addition to using Crizal® Prevencia lenses, she highly advices proper eye care. “Start by getting a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year,” she says. “Your eye doctor can determine the present condition of your eyes and help you take preventive or protective measures regarding possible vision problems.”

Another way to reduce the risk of eyestrain is taking frequent breaks from reading or monitor use, shares Dr. Roleda.

Lastly, she gives some sound sartorial advice when outdoors: “This summer, load your eyeglasses with Crizal® Prevencia lenses containing E-SPF 25. Then, pair your glasses with a nice hat or a sturdy umbrella.”

Indeed, eyesight is among the most important senses, but it receives less care than it deserves. By reducing strain, limiting exposure to harmful light, and making use of eyewear like Crizal® Prevencia lenses, you can protect your eyes all day long and ensure many more years of healthy vision.

Learn more about Crizal® Prevencia by visiting your eye doctor or leading optical shop nationwide, or by logging on to www.essilor.com.ph.