Beyond Fashion: Why You Gotta Wear Shades

Cheap sunglasses may cost you less, but are they just as likely to protect against the effects of harmful UV rays as expensive sunglasses?

According to Dr. Donald J. D'Amico, chair of ophthalmology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, there is no certain way for consumers to be sure they are getting ultraviolet or UV protection from their sunglasses -- even if they are labeled "UV absorbing" or "UV blocking." Cost is no indicator of UV protection. An expensive pair of sunglasses does not guarantee sufficient protection from the sun.

"There is no government regulating power for the classification of sunglasses," says Dr. D'Amico. As a result, company information may misrepresent how much protection their sunglasses offer; and, unfortunately, consumers sometimes assume all sunglasses have protection if they are dark in color.

Dr. Stephen Trokel, an ophthalmologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, advises that consumers buy sunglasses from reputable companies to ensure that they block both UVA and UVB rays. Another tip is to pair sunglasses with a large-brimmed hat to protect the eyes from sunlight that may enter from above and from the sides of glasses. Wraparound sunglasses and those with large temples also provide important side protection.

Sunglasses are not just a fashion statement; their lenses block harmful UV rays that, in severe cases, can cause permanent damage to the eyes in the form of cataracts, pterygium and possibly retinal degeneration.

Dr. D'Amico and Dr. Trokel caution that consumers should be aware of the following:

- Persons with light-colored eyes, such as blue and green, are often more sensitive to bright sunlight than darker eye shades.
- Individuals who wear contact lenses are least likely to want to wear sunglasses; however, sunglasses are helpful from preventing the drying effect most contact lens wearers get from warm wind; UV protection in contact lenses are the most effective in blocking all UV entering the eye.
- While not always true, the darkness of sunglasses will indicate greater UV protection -- at least if they comply with the ANSI Z80.3 industry standard.
- Automobile window tints are not a replacement for sunglasses; however, windshields screen out and are very effective in absorbing both UVA and UVB rays (because of the internal shatter-proof laminate).

In addition, Dr. D'Amico and Dr. Trokel emphasize that you are never too young to protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays. Parents should purchase UV-protected sunglasses for their children with wraparound design and keep infants' eyes shaded.

David Drucker Becomes First Ever "Honorary" Lion's Club Member

David Drucker, MD, PC was honored Tuesday as the first ever "Honorary Member" of Denver's Chapter of the Lion's Club for his work and contributions to the Lion's Club Eye Exams for the Needy Program. Our office has provided eye exams for the homeless and destitute through the Lion's Club for the past five years. The Lion's Club has taken the results of these exams and made glasses for these patients. This contribution has helped many needy people receive the glasses that allow them to function on a daily basis. Many of these patients are then able to find work and make a better life for themselves with their sight restored.

Along with providing exams for the Lion's Club, our office has also performed eye exams for the Stout Street Clinic. The Stout Street Clinic is a local organization that helps recovering alcoholics and drug addicts. Many of their members are also homeless and jobless and are very grateful for the services we provide at no charge to them.

Congratulations to Dr.David Drucker for being recognized for his contribution to this group of underserved Colorado residents.

Do You Suffer From Excessive Underarm Sweating?

Summer and hot weather are welcomed by most, but if you suffer from excessive underarm sweating, you may be dreading the coming months. However, if underarm sweating is significantly interfering with your daily activities and topical agents haven't worked, you may be a candidate for BOTOX® treatment. First, it's important to understand the condition.

Excessive underarm sweating is a medical condition known as primary axillary hyperhidrosis which involves overactive sweat glands. Sweat is your body's temperature regulator. In primary axillary hyperhidrosis, sweating significantly exceeds the body's normal requirements for cooling.

For more information about excessive underarm sweating, visit the International Hyperhidrosis Society Web site at http://www.sweathelp.org/.

A number of different treatments and products are available to help people with excessive underarm sweating including special deodorants, surgery and BOTOX® treatments. BOTOX® is FDA-approved for excessive underarm sweating that is inadequately managed with topical agents. BOTOX® helps control this condition by temporarily blocking the chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands. When the sweat glands don't receive chemical signals, the excessive sweating stops.

After a BOTOX® treatment, you should notice a significant reduction in underarm sweating within 4 weeks. There is a possibility that some sweat glands may be missed, and you may continue to experience some sweating from the untreated areas. If you do not see a significant reduction in sweating, you should contact your healthcare provider and request a follow-up consultation.

And how does sweating fit into an eye health blog? Introduced over thirty years ago, ophthalmologists were the first to use BOTOX®, treating crossed eyes and eyelid spasms. Today BOTOX® has become FDA approved for many treatments from wrinkle reduction to migraine relief. If you suffer from excessive sweating, ask your ophthalmologist or dermatologist if BOTOX® might be right for you.

David Drucker, MD currently treats excessive underarm sweating with BOTOX®. The procedure is in office and there is no down time. Call today for a free consultation: (303) 293-9311.