Can You See The Difference?
New Studies Stress Importance of Eyewear
by Hollie Costello
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Self-testing your color vision is simple. Look at the plate. What do you see? If you fail to see both squares on the test plate, it may indicate the presence of a color vision deficiency. If the green square is missing, an acquired deficiency may be indicated; if only the green square is seen, a hereditary color defect probably is indicated. This test, however, is only a screening; a more definitive color vision testing and diagnosis by a licensed professional is the only way to evaluate the presence of deficient color vision. For more information on acquired or hereditary color blindness, visit the ColorMax Technologies Web site at www.colormaxtech.com, or call (877) COLORMAX. |
"There are tons of articles in the health magazines and online on the effects of ultraviolet light on the eyes," says Brenda Fishbaugh, president of Eye Pro, the Fort Wayne, Ind.-based company that produces Wink-Ease® and VIEWkeepers!® eye shields. "We could not believe the information we found on the Internet--some of the things we didn't even know about."
In addition to the information salon owners have taken from LOOKING FIT and SunWellness in the past, most have been taught the importance of eyewear--and the problems associated with not using eyewear--through certification, trade shows or seminars. However, with new, more painful and more potent diseases now in the forefront of the eye-protection populace, studies on the effects of UV light and the eye are proving that the public needs more education on UV light.
Most people are unfamiliar with the sensitive nature of the eye. According to optometrists and ophthalmologists, there are three surfaces within the eye that can be affected by sunlight or strong artificial UV sources--the cornea and conjunctiva (snowblindness and pterygium), the lens (cataracts) and the retina (eclipse blindness-solar retinopathy and macular degeneration). These surfaces perform different functions that work together as the backbone of the eye structure.
While many of the diseases associated with these three areas (and listed above) can be improved with surgery and/or medication, over time, intense exposure can ruin the surfaces of the eye making blindness a very real possibility.
According to Fishbaugh, any indoor eye protector blocks all UVA and UVB light if used properly--which is more than the American Optometric Association and American Academy of Ophthalmology can say about most sunglasses. According to information from the Washington Association of Optometric Physicians, sunglass labels are not uniform and vary by manufacturer--in fact, studies have found that some labels are misleading and untrue.
In comparison, the indoor tanning industry is a powerful regulator. In addition to Eye Pro, other manufacturers have eye protection products on the market. Lucas Products Corp., a Toledo, Ohio-based eye shield manufacturer, creates SUPER SUNNIES® AND SUPER SUNNIES ULTRAS® eye shields.
"People are constantly saying they do not wear eyewear because of the 'raccoon eyes' effect," says Dorothy Applegate, president and owner of Lucas Products Corp. "However, people who tan on a regular basis and use eyewear do not have that problem. They know that the new shields protect the eyes without causing tan lines around the eyes or over the nose."
Getting the word out on the latest in eye protection is not only good business for salons, it is good health for clientele. With new eye problems added to the list of diseases associated with ultraviolet radiation, it is becoming a salon's duty to educate the consumer on the importance of eyewear.
New in the list of degenerative diseases caused by ultraviolet light are pingueculae and pterygia. While most optometrists and ophthalmologists have encountered the afflictions, few non-physicians have ever heard of these conditions. Classified as "degenerations" of the clear membrane (conjunctiva) that covers the white of an eye, a pterygium can cause a triangular sheet of white, gray or yellow tissue to cover the cornea; pigueculae are confined to areas outside the cornea, usually toward the nose.
The problem is people are unaware they have the disease. Unlike pinkeye or other infections, until they are severe, pingueculae and pterygia simply irritate the eye, but do not cause loss of vision immediately. Many people tolerate the trouble without treatment, not knowing that it may affect their vision in the long run.
Thankfully, industry professionals now are using updated studies and information--as well as previous medical facts--in presentations at distributor seminars, tanning education classes and even when visiting salons. Eye Pro, ever present in the fight for eye wear use--is previewing a new line of salon signs, similar to its popular "animal" eyewear protection signs, for the Fall 2000 season, while other companies are taking a hands-on approach. Lucas Products Corp. created a Salon Advisory Board and holds regular meetings to poll salons from their area on eye care and eye protection.
"We were surprised to hear how little people knew about eyewear," says Applegate. "Most of the salons said only about 57 percent of their customers could be guaranteed to wear eyewear. In fact, even with promotional and educational signs in the salon and in the rooms, clients still did not use eyewear."
Continuing education has become an industry goal. Lucas Products holds regular Salon Advisory Board meetings and participates in salon education through distributors, just like Eye Pro. Eye Pro also will be featured at the 11th Annual LOOKING FIT International Tanning Trade Expo in Chicago Nov. 3-5.
"People need to understand that their very eyesight depends on using protection, not only in a tanning bed, but also in the sun," says Applegate. "Eyelids and eyebrows offer little protection from UV rays."
Young eyes are much more vulnerable, so tanners in their teens and early 30s should be warned repeatedly. UVA, the light most commonly found in an indoor tanning bed, can have serious effects on the retina, or the delicate lining at the back of the eye that contains light- sensitive nerve cells needed for seeing. However, it is UVB that is most dangerous. UVB exposure over the years can lead to cataracts and benign growths on the eye's surface, maybe even cancer of the eyelids.
"There are many places on the Internet that offer information on UV light and its effects on the eyes and vision," says Fishbaugh. Sites such as EyeNet.org and Colormaxtech.com have information on proper eye care, with graphics and tests that can determine vision problems.
Luckily, self-testing color vision is simple. The plate included in this article (provided by ColorMax Technologies) can be used to test clients', and employees', color sensitivity. With the directions for easy use, hang the plate in one of your rooms and see if people comment on their color vision--or their lack of there of--after taking the test. That will give employees the perfect time to discuss better eye protection.
"People need to realize that protecting their eyes is protecting the future of their eyes, and their future sight," says Fishbaugh. "Eye damage from UV light is not something that will go away with a couple of drops."
In fact, manufacturers believe it is important for salons to do more than put up signs and talk about eye care--they must lead by example.
"Salon owners need to know about the long-term risks involved with not using the proper eye protection against UV light--just so they can pass those risks onto their clientele at the first session," says Applegate. "There are many ways to pass on the information--signs, eye models, hand-outs--but the best way to make sure people know how important eye protection is, is to talk to them about it."
