Eye care for golfers

Golfers spend a lot of time outdoors. Special attention is therefore needed to protect their eyes from an extended exposure to the sun and the wind.

Wind and the dirt and debris carried by it may cause irritation of the eye. What is worse is the prolonged exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiations are known to cause cataracts and pterygium at 300 to 380 nanometers. Protection from UV radiation up to 400 nanometers is recommended for complete blockage of ultraviolet light. Most sunglasses do not cover this range.

The actual amount of UV rays reaching a golfer's eye is increased by the reflections from the earth's surface and presence of clouds and haze. However, dark clouds may actually reduce the amount of radiation. UV protection is almost 17 times as much more necessary in the winter and spring as it is in the summer. It is almost 10 times more necessary at noon than during other hours of the day. As we go higher, the radiation is also increased to the extent of 16% for every 1000 meters above sea level.

Ultraviolet rays have been proven to cause various eye problems, such as

. Temporary discomfort to the eyes

. Cataracts

. Sunburn to the eyelids

. Pterygium

. Skin cancer around the eyes, and

. Macular degeneration, one of the leading causes of vision loss

A simultaneous exposure to wind and heat increases the carcinogenic effect of UV radiations and also the chances of developing abnormal growths around the eyes that may impair vision. Wind also increases the blink rate cutting visual acuity and lowering color perception.

Playing outdoors increase the exposure to blue light (400-475nm) in the visible range. This increases the risk of acute macular degeneration and retinal damage. An adequate intake of maize and spinach may protect the eye from free radical oxidative damage.

Specially designed glasses for golfers help to

· Tell subtle differences in greens and fairways,

· Avoid interference with the swing.

· If you wear bifocals, special designs allow you to see your scorecard, but not be bothered by distortion when putting or driving the ball.

Tips to choose the right golf glasses:

· Ultraviolet Protection: They should provide 100% of ultraviolet radiation protection

· Lens Color: A lens that absorbs blue light will help to read greens better and follow the ball in flight. Brown or amber lenses can increase contrast. Or, some people prefer more natural vision and lenses that do not distort. For those, a neutral gray or G-15 green gray lens provides true color perception.

· Frame Styles: As golfers go to swing, their head turns slightly, and the bottom edge of the frame of their regular pair of sunglasses interferes with the direct gaze of the ball. Glasses without a frame on the bottom prevent interference with the line of sight. Oversized frames also help, as the gaze does not cross the frame border.

· Frame Fit: Improperly fit glasses can slide off the nose and distract the golfer as he starts his swing by looking down. Frames with temples that can be adjusted to fit so that they do not slide down the nose are helpful.

· Prescription Lenses: Most golf glasses can be fit with prescription lens. A golfer who needs both distance and near corrections should consider special golf lenses with a bifocal fit very low and temporally. The golfer can easily see the ball in the distance range without creating an uncomfortable head position, while at the same time, have the bifocal there to read and record on a score card. Stick-on bifocals are also a popular option as they can be removed when not needed.