Protect Your Eyes from Sunburn

UV Safety Month : For many people sunglasses are an expression of style; a new pair for each new outfit. Tempted by new frames sold on the street corner, many of these glasses don’t have the protection your eyes need. Fashion forward as we like to be, consumers might want to be looking at a label of another sort. In order to protect your eyes from the sun’s damaging effects, sunglasses should protect you from both UV-A and UV-B rays. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light reflected off sand, snow, water or pavement can damage the cornea. And the cumulative effects of UV exposure can put you at risk for cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. According to The American Academy of Ophthalmology UV exposure combined with wind and dust also puts you at risk for benign growths on the eye’s surface called pterygia.

So, while you are out romping around in the sun this summer, and all year long, protect your eyes. The Food and Drug Administration says to buy glasses that protect 99-100 percent UV-A and UV-B rays and that offer the most coverage; wrap around is best. Wear a hat with a wide brim. That goes for kids too.

Permalink | Email Post