We’ve been talking about protecting your eyes from UV rays that can ultimately prevent you from getting Pterygium, but also other corneal diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Dr. Sandy T. Feldman, a renowned corneal expert and refractive surgeon in San Diego, suggests these five tips for choosing a pair of sunglasses deemed as safe protective eyewear. The best defense against UV rays is a good pair of sunglasses.

• Check the label, be sure the sunglasses have 100% UV protection

• Frames should fit close to further protect the eyes from the sun.  For extra protection, wear a hat.

• Large lenses and wrap around frames offer more protection for the eyes

• Better lenses provide better optics, cheaper lenses may have aberrations or distortions.  The distortion can cause eye strain and headaches.

• Expensive glasses do not always mean the best glasses, they usually indicate fashion trends and durability, not UV protection

Lastly, Dr. Sandy T. Feldman, expert eye surgeon in San Diego,  offers two other tips to keep your eyes protected and in good health. Vitamin C helps keep eyes young and healthy while protecting some parts of the eye against damage caused by UV.  Foods rich in vitamin C include oranges, green peppers and tomatoes. Exercise is obviously great for the body and mind but also our eyes. Not just a leisurely walk in the park with your dog, you need to work up a sweat and shoot for at least three days a week. This reduces some of the risk factors connected to eye disease such as body-mass, white blood-cell count and blood pressure.  Exercise improves your blood and oxygen through your cardiovascular system and that helps your eyes too. Remember just as you want to protect yourself from signs of aging by warding off UV rays and keeping your body young and healthy, you have to also factor in protecting and preserving your eyesight as it's the true barometer of your health. Win a free pair of Maui Jim Sunglasses by referring a friend to ClearView Eye Laser and Medical Center and enter the Summer Raffle. For more information contact ClearView.