Surfer’s Eye Can Be Prevented During Summer Surfing Season Reports Fresh Water Advocate Sharon Kleyne
Grants Pass, OR (PRWEB) July 15, 2015 -- While not debilitating, “Conjunctival pterygium,” or “surfer’s eye,” can be uncomfortable and unsightly. Wave surfing participants who experiences frequent eye discomfort and who use no eye protection are at high risk to develop this common condition. While pterygium is curable only by surgery, it is easily preventable. Recently, radio host and fresh water advocate Sharon Kleyne offered suggestions to help prevent surfer’s eye during the summer surfing season.
Kleyne will discuss surfer’s eye and the 2015 summer surfing season on her Sharon Kleyne Hour™ Power of Water® radio broadcast of July 20, 2015. For the live show or a podcast, go to http://www.SharonKleyneHour.com.
The syndicated radio show, hosted by Kleyne, is heard weekly on VoiceAmerica and Apple iTunes. The education oriented show is sponsored by Bio-Logic Aqua® Research, which was founded by Kleyne and specializes in fresh water, the atmosphere, accelerated moisture evaporation and dehydration. Nature’s Tears® EyeMist® for dry eyes is the Research Center’s signature product for dry eye.
The word pterygium, according to Kleyne, is Greek for “wing.” Pterygium can also occur elsewhere on the body. “Conjunctival pterygium” refers to a wing-like membrane covering the “conjunctiva,” the thin tissue covering the eye’s exposed portions. Once the ptterygium growth reaches the cornea, vision can be impaired. While the progress of surfer’s eye can be arrested, the condition can only be reversed through surgery.
Pterygium is believed to be caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, intensified by reflection off the water, says Kleyne. UV radiation and other factors accelerate the natural evaporation of tear film water into the atmosphere. This can result in ocular dehydration, dry eye and conjunctiva damage. The tear film is 99 percent water. Snow skiers are also susceptible but usually wear sunglasses.
For ocean wave surfers, UV exposure is made worse by simultaneous exposure to wind, solar radiation, warm temperatures, sea salt, and the bacteria and microorganisms found in ocean water, all of which can cause the tear film to lose a portion of its natural water content.
This water loss leads to a condition called dry eye syndrome, Kleyne explains, whose symptoms are identical to the discomfort leading to pterygium – dry, itching or bunring eyes, blurred vision, headaches, fatigue, red eyes, etc. When the tear film loses moisture, tear salt becomes overly concentrated and starts to act as an irritant, causing inflammation of the conjunctiva. Frequent exposure to salt water could intensify the effect.
The same measures that prevent or alleviate dry eye discomfort will also prevent Pterygium.
Although everyone is susceptible to tear film dehydration, according to Kleyne, surfers should pay extra attention tear film health, not only when surfing but always. A healthy tear film at home can better fight off extreme dehydration challenges at the beach.
Kleyne’s suggestion for a healthy tear film: Always wear eye protection when in the water (tinted, water-tight goggles). Wear sunglasses on the beach. Take a shower, and/or wash your eyes with a warm compress, as soon as possible after surfing. Set out bowls of water in your house to humidify the air (50 to 70 percent is ideal), especially when the heater or air-conditioner is on. Do not let the air conditioner blow directly on your face. Take frequent long, luxuriant baths and/or showers (a brief shower after a bath will wash off any residue). Let as much fresh air into the house as you can, especially in the bedroom and bathroom.
The best way to maintain healthy eye hydration, says Kleyne, is to drink at last eight glasses of water a day in addition to all other fluids. At least four of the glasses should be drunk all at once – the first two upon arising. Individuals under 100 pounds should drink half their body weight in ounces per day.
Kleyne also recommends regular application of Nature’s Tears® EyeMist®, from Bio-Logic Aqua® Research to supplement tear film water lost to accelerated evaporation as a result of exposure to solar radiation, salt and glare. Surfers should apply Nature’s Tears® EyeMist®, before entering the water and after every surfing run.
©2015 Bio-Logic Aqua® Research. All rights reserved.
Mikaylah Roggasch, Bio-Logic Aqua® Research-Rogue Media, http://www.biologicaqua.com, +1 (800) 367-6478, [email protected]
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