As the cold wintery weather seeps into our bones, thoughts of warm weather vacations dance in our heads. While packing for these vacations is often a pain in the back side, the final destinations makes it all worth while. These suitcases, which now must pay their own airfare, usually include the required bathing suits, suntan lotions and clothes saved for just such locations that never get out of the closet any other time of years.
One of the most important items which should be packed, but is often over looked is the sunglasses. Clinical studies have shown for many years that the high energy sunlight causes cataracts, Pterygia, solar ocular burns and Macular Degeneration. Yet, while we all are quick to put on the suntan lotion, many of us forget the sunglasses, or don’t want them on because they will leave tan lines on our face. Not a good decision, but a common one.

The question then comes up as to what type of sunglasses are the best. I generally go by the rule that if a pair of sunglasses tells you how good they are, then they are not. The best pairs are those of the quality sunglass manufacturers. The good quality sunglasses are those that serve two functions. The first is to filter out all the high energy UV light of all wavelengths. This removes the catalyst that creates the ocular damage on and in the eye.

The second is providing good quality optics. The lesser expensive sunglasses usually sacrifice optical quality which decreases one’s vision and increases glare and distortion. Comparing the good and bad sunglasses is dramatic.

The better quality sunglasses permit perfectly clear, sharp vision while giving 100% protection. The least expensive of the good quality glasses are the Ray Ban collection. The two best quality and most expensive lines are Maui Jim and Oakley. Frame style frequently determines which line a patient will wear and that is fine as long as the quality of the sunglasses is good. Serengeti, Revo, Bolle and Nikes are also among the lines that are good for ocular protection.

Have a happy healthy holiday season and a happy new year. AND WEAR YOUR SUNGLASSES.

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Nutritional supplements are ubiquitous and highly recommended for many individuals. Some are more important then others and all can become toxic if over used. One of the most important elements is Zinc.

Zinc is an essential cofactor that is required in more then 300 enzymatic reactions. It is important in cellular ATP production, as well as brain and retinal growth and function. While Zinc binds to DNA aiding in gene expression, it also plays a role in cell death.

Good sources of Zinc are meats, eggs, many seafood, some peas and wheat germ. The recommended dosage (RDA) is 11 mg per day, but more may be recommended for ocular conditions such as Macular Degeneration. Larger dosages can interfere with copper bioavailability.

Unlike most nutrients, the average diet does not provide the RDA for zinc, especially with vegetarians. Zinc deficiencies are common in alcoholics, chronic kidney disease sickle cell anemia and all malabsorption patients. It is related to decreased vision, poor wound healing and an increased susceptibility to infections. In addition, poor night vision has been linked to low levels of zinc.

More then 50 mg of zinc per day are reserved for macular degeneration patients and must be closely followed by an eye doctor. Levels exceeding 300 mg will cause a decrease in the immune system, blood formation and copper deficiency anemia.

All nutritional supplements must be monitored and interactions between then regulated. The thought that if some is good, more is better does not work with anything ingested.

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