“In the winter, snow, ice, and slicked road surfaces reflect a high amount of UV radiation even on overcast days.”
- Dr. Janalee Canfield
M ost of us remember to wear eye protection in the summer, but we probably don’t think about it as much during the colder months, even though that sun exposure in the winter can be just as dangerous. “Sunglasses are important to use year- round. UV radiation is harmful to the eyes no matter the time of year,” says Dr. Janalee Canfield of Family Vision Centre in Charlottetown. “In the winter, snow, ice, and slicked road surfaces reflect a high amount of UV radiation even on overcast days.” As such, Dr. Canfield recommends wearing sunglasses for driving and all outdoor sports, such as skiing, snowmobiling, and hiking. “UV-A and UV-B rays can contribute to cataracts, which are a permanent clouding of the lens inside the eye that reduce vision. Age-related macular degeneration (a degenerative change of the central retina) has also been associated with UV exposure.”
In order to properly protect yourself from harmful UV damage, Dr. Canfield says it’s important to ensure you select the right type of sunglasses for optimal protection. “Wear sunglasses that block both glare and UV-A and UV-B rays, and select frames that shield the eyes from the sun’s rays at all angles. Wraparound frames is a good choice. More coverage means more protection.” Another tip? Look for sunglasses that are labelled full UV protection against UV-A and UV-B, or that say UV 400 protection, which means they block light at wavelengths up to 400 nanometres, which covers UVA and UVB. Polarized lenses are another great choice, says Dr. Canfield, because they “reduce glare by way of a special filter in the lens that blocks glare-causing reflections from flat surfaces like water, snow, and roadways.” The wintertime is also a perfect time to make an appointment for your regular eye examination, which is available at the Family Vision Centre in addition to an array of sunglasses. “An eye
examination is not just important for visual ability, but for ocular health and for protecting our vision for today and the future.” Dr. Canfield, who grew up in Crapaud, has been practicing optometry at Family Vision Centre in Charlottetown for twenty-three years. A graduate of the University of Prince Edward Island with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, she received her Doctorate of Optometry at the University of Waterloo in Ontario. Dr. Canfield says her favourite part of her job is interacting with her patients and the relationships that are formed from her dedication and care for them. “I have many long-time patients who I have seen for twenty years. I enjoy getting to know them and feel fortunate to be part of a health profession that has such an important impact on our patients’ quality of life on a daily basis.”
Family Vision Centre 111 Pownal St, Charlottetown 902.566.4418 www.familyvisioncentre.com
By Brianne Hogan Photos Kimberly Rashed
WINTER 2020 www.pei-living.ca
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