The lazy days of summer are upon us -- but it's important to not get lax about eye health, especially during the warmer months. This is the time of year when people spend the greatest amount of time outdoors. While they often think to protect their skin against the summer sun, many are unaware of the risks to eyes that exist without proper protection.
According to the New England Eye Institute, while nearly 80 percent of consumers are aware that the sun's harmful rays can cause skin cancer; only five percent know it can harm their eyes. For prescription eyeglass wearers, glare is also a significant issue. If you wear regular clear lenses, the sun's glare can cause you to squint and strain your eyes -- making it difficult to see objects clearly in bright light. Proper eye protection can help decrease your risk of developing serious vision issues, such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration - the leading causes of blindness. And because the damage is cumulative, it's never too early or too late to start protecting your eyes.
Dr. Melonie Clemmons shares tips on how to optimize healthy sight and overall wellness. There are specific steps people can take to reduce the glare their eyes endure, block harmful UV rays and greatly improve their family's eye health.
Talent/Guest: Dr. Melanie Clemmons Dr. Melonie Clemmons graduated from Berry College with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. She completed her doctorate degree at Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN. Dr. Clemmons received the Top Senior Clinician Award for her class in recognition of her skills as an eye care professional. She is Board Certified, both at the national and state levels in the diagnosis and treatment of ocular diseases.
