Protecting eyes critical to future sight

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Patrick R. Hyde
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  The ability to see is something many of us take for granted. Proper protection of the eyes, with the help of the 39th Medical Group Optometry Division, can help Team Incirlik members retain this often taken for granted critical sense.

One of the main ways to protect your eyes is to wear sunglasses. Only buy sunglasses that block at least 95 percent of the UVB light. Most sunglasses sold in America meet these standards.

"UV exposure has been related to development of cataracts, muscular degeneration and various cancers of the eyelids. Whether, your skin tans, burns or does nothing in the sun, you can bet your eyeball can and will burn resulting in a distressing solar keratitis," said Maj. (Dr.) Wade DeMordaunt, 39th MDG Optometry Division officer in charge. "Think of this disorder as snow blindness, a common aliment of skiers around the world. Remember to protect your eyes -- you need them for the rest of your life!"

The best way to monitor the health of your eyes is to schedule annual eye exams.

"Routine exams measure for glasses and check for any vision degradation compared to your last exam," said Major DeMordaunt.

If it is determined that an Airman needs glasses, the brown-framed, basic training glasses are no longer the only fashion choice available from Air Force optometrists.

"Basic trainees are offered metal frame-of-choice, as well as, the brown-framed glasses. Permanent party members are allowed one frame-of-choice per year, and the brown plastic frames whenever they need them," said Major DeMordaunt.

In addition to glasses, many Airmen who require corrective lenses choose to wear contact lenses. The Optometry Division here does not provide new contact lens fittings.

However, if you already wear contacts and want to renew your prescription, Major DeMordaunt can help.

"Please bring in your prescription and the box or bottle your contact lenses came in for a full evaluation," he said.

The most common eye injuries are caused by the misuse and over wear of contact lenses.

"Don't abuse your eyes by swimming in your contact lenses, or by sleeping overnight with your lenses in your eyes," said Major DeMordaunt. "When you go out and will be away from home, be prepared with a clean contact case, solution and a back-up pair of glasses."

Another option to glasses or contacts can be LASIK or PRK laser eye surgery to correct for refractive error.

"This procedure can only be recommended by a trained professional optician. Unfortunately, this surgery can not be done here and must be done at Landstuhl Army Medical Center in Germany," said Major DeMordaunt.

The surgery costs nothing for active duty, but there is the cost of transportation and lodging.

Some of the more serious eye injuries Major DeMordaunt has seen could have been prevented with the use of proper PPE.

"I have seen the results of a terrible bungee cord accident, a serious nail gun misjudgment and also a veteran from the war with a bullet wound to the head," said Major DeMordaunt. "The first two of these incidences could have been avoided by wearing safety glasses or protective lenses. Safety comes first, no matter what, always be prepared."

The Optometry Division hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Active-duty members and TRICARE Prime beneficiaries have priority for appointments. Other eligible TRICARE beneficiaries are seen on a space-available basis. Appointments can be made by calling the appointment line at 676-6173.