The Preservation of Long-term Ocular Health

UVR Damage
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) poses what is arguably the most omnipresent potential threat to long-term ocular health and wellness.
More About UVR damage

High-Energy Visible Light
High-energy visible light is a frequently overlooked component of solar radiation that may also represent a hazard to long-term ocular health. As is the case with UVR, educational efforts to increase awareness of this threat and to encourage the institution of appropriate protective measures are key to preserving long-term Healthy Sight.
More About High-Energy Visible Light

Systemic Disease
A wide array of systemic diseases have the potential to impact Healthy Sight, including diabetes; AIDS and other viral infections; cardiovascular disease; genetic disorders, such as albinism; thyroid dysfunction and other hormonal irregularities; cancer and some of the chemotherapeutic agents used to treat it; and allergy and autoimmune disorders.
More About Systemic Disease

Trauma
The eyes are one of the most common target organs for occupational, sports-related, and impact trauma. Ocular trauma can affect both ocular health and visual performance, making injury prevention an important component of Healthy Sight Counseling.
More About Trauma

Healthy Sight at Work and at Home
Many occupations can impact Healthy Sight. Risks are variable and employment-specific, ranging from problems with glare and asthenopia from prolonged computer use by office workers, to excessive UVR exposure in fishermen or lifeguards, to impact-related trauma in construction workers. In addition, many incidences of eye trauma occur in the home. These risks are best addressed through education to increase awareness and to encourage the use of appropriate vision correction and protective eyewear.
More About Healthy Sight at Work and at Home

Healthy Sight and Recreation
Various sports and recreational activities can impact Healthy Sight. Extensive time spent outdoors can accentuate exposure to potentially harmful UVR and high-energy visible light. And while the public is increasingly aware of the need to protect the skin from solar radiation, the potential for ocular damage is less widely understood, despite convincing scientific data. Many recreational activities, particularly those involving high-velocity ball sports, have the potential of placing the eyes at risk for trauma.
More About Healthy Sight and Recreation

Environmental Factors
Climate and other environmental factors may impact Healthy Sight, either by affecting quality of vision and visual comfort and convenience on an immediate basis or by posing risks to long-term ocular health if appropriate precautions are not taken.
More About Environmental Factors

Medications
Many commonly used medications—both prescription and non-prescription—can impact Healthy Sight. On an immediate basis they may affect quantity of vision by altering the refractive state or quality of vision by affecting pupil size and leading to glare or increased photosensitivity. Certain agents can act as photosensitizers, potentiating adverse effects of UVR on the eye, or can contribute directly to the development of vision-threatening ocular diseases (eg, the relationship between steroid use and glaucoma and cataract).
More About Medications

The information presented here is intended as general health information and as an educational tool. It is not intended to be used in any other manner or for any other purpose. The information should not be used or provided to patients in place of a visit, call or consultation with a physician or other healthcare provider. Transitions Optical, Inc. ("Transitions") does not recommend the self-management of health or medical problems, nor does Transitions promote or recommend any particular form of medical or alternative treatment. People using information accessed through this Web site should also research original sources of authority. Information obtained by using this Web site is not exhaustive and does not cover all possible interactions among drugs. Should you have any healthcare related questions, please call or visit your physician or other healthcare provider. You should never disregard medical advice—or delay in seeking it—because of something you have read on this Web site. You should always seek prompt medical care for any specific health issue.