CDV is on Radio 24!

Last Monday, the programme “Essere e Benessere”, broadcast from Monday to Friday on Radio 24, was dedicated to how to protect your eyesight.
 
For this occasion, oculist consultant of the Eyesight Protection Commission, Prof. Francesco Loperfido was interviewed. Dr. Loperfido is the manager of general Ophthalmological services at the Ophthalmology and Vision Science Unit of the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan.
 
You can listen to the recording of the entire programme at the following link:
 
http://www.radio24.ilsole24ore.com/main.php?dirprog=Essere_e_Benessere
 

The Eyesight Protection Commission also proposes summertime guidelines, which are reported here below:

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE LEAVING FOR YOUR VACATION AND WHAT TO BRING ALONG TO PROTECT YOUR EYESIGHT: SUNGLASSES AND PLENTY OF COMMON SENSE!

1 - When our eyes are exposed to too strong light for a prolonged time or with no precautions, especially against ultraviolet rays, it can lead to the inflammation of the cornea and even become one of the causes of degenerative diseases like cataracts and macular diseases.
2 - You will not necessarily feel the heat of the rays when damage is done to your eyes. The damage caused by ultraviolet radiation cannot be seen or felt. So don’t be misled by mild temperatures and ALWAYS protect your eyes.
3 - How can you protect them? By wearing safe, good quality sunglasses that meet government standards, a hat and, more generally, protective clothing.
4 - Whether you are at the sea or in the mountains, nothing changes. The altitude and the snow may even double your exposure to UV radiation, so wear suitable sunglasses no matter where you go (sea, mountains, lake, or hills!).
5 - A cloudy sky doesn’t mean the sun can’t burn you. UV radiation penetrates the clouds and can still burn you. Don’t forget your sunglasses!
6 - Limit your exposure to the sun during the middle of the day (from about 10 AM to 4 PM). Stay in the shade. It will help protect you.
7 - Protect your children and remember that, up to the age of 15, their eyes and skin are particularly delicate. Protect them with sunglasses, hats, and t-shirts. Moreover, children under a year old should never be exposed directly to the sun.
8 - Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds or, if you must use them, always use protective glasses, preferably with damp cotton between the eye and the glasses.
9 - Those who wear prescription glasses must be particularly careful of UV rays: convergent lenses, or those with a positive optical power, also converge the light rays and increase exposure of the eyes to sunlight, especially when sunbathing face-up and looking at the light source. It is therefore advisable to get “graduated” sunglasses.

RULES FOR SAFE, HIGH QUALITY GLASSES
Here is the criteria to help you choose a conforming model: 
Check the presence of the EC marking on the frame 
Check the technical specification sheet (presence of the EN 1836/2006 standard compliance), which must contain the technical specifications of the frame and the lenses, any use limitations and an indication of the degree of UV protection. 
If the category of the filter is 4 or there is a warning (warning or warning symbol), the glasses must not be used for driving. 
Check that the filter allows the recognition of traffic lights (if not, it must be noted in the technical specifications). 
If the glasses cause headache or a sense of nausea, it means that the filters are not assembled correctly. 
Good lenses must be capable of absorbing harmful UV rays between 300 and 400 run and progressively absorb high-energy visible radiation (blue light) between 400 and 500 run, allowing not more than 5 percent to filter through so as not to alter the perception of colours.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE LENSES
The lenses are also differentiated by “filtering power”. Depending on where you are – city, sea, mountains, etc. – the lenses must be equipped with suitable protective filters.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW WHEN CHOOSING LENSES. THEY CAN BE:
Multilayered. This is a system based on lenses made of 12 layers perfected by the NASA 20 years ago. They are very lightweight and allow the filtering of undesired and harmful frequencies.
Melanin. This is the same name as the substance produced by our skin to protect us from the sun rays. The system allows an increased perception of colour thanks to a synthetic brown melanin filter that reduces blue light. These are particularly suitable for wearing in the mountains, for driving, and for those who wear contact lenses.
Equalizing. The name is the same used for hi-fi stereo systems that allow the distinction of mixed musical signals. These lenses increase the chromatic contrast and facilitate the perception of colour in critical situations, like in the case of a skier having to deal with dips and rises that are difficult to distinguish on a cloudy day.
Polarized. Polarized lenses have been on the market for years and are still an excellent product because they eliminate the glare caused by the reflection of the sun on surfaces. They are ideal for those who go boating and must protect their eyes from strong glare.
Mirrored. These are the favourites of mountaineers and ski instructors because they reduce the high luminosity of sunlight on the snow and soften blinding reflections. They are not indicated for pilots as the cabins are studied to filter UV rays and mirrored lenses absorb too much light, thereby limiting the monitoring of on-board instruments. 
Non-reflecting. Non-reflecting treatment on the internal surfaces of sunglasses is useful in styles that are not close fitting as they notably limit the quantity of radiation reflected from the lens towards the eye. In corrective lenses, this involves both surfaces to reduce the optical effects that may occur especially in closed environments or in the evening with pointed light sources. 
Photochromatic. These lenses change colour according to the luminosity. They become more transparent when there is little light and darker in sunlight. This is a somewhat useful option for corrective lenses.
When buying a pair of sunglasses, always check for:
• reference to the European UNI EN 1836 standard (or only EN 1836) 
• the identification of the manufacturer or supplier 
• the number of the filter category 
• the type of filter (ex. photochromatic, etc.) 
• Instructions for care, maintenance, and cleaning.