Protecting Your Eyes From Sun Damage
Not only is it important for you to protect your skin from the sun, but what most people don’t realize is how important it is for you to protect your eyes from the sun. Those who like to enjoy summer activities such as hiking, surfing, sailing and fishing are at greater risk in developing damage to their eyes and should be very careful during the next few months.
Too much sun exposure can lead to harmful or non-cancerous growths on the eye because of the lack of protection on the eyes. Not only is direct sunlight bad for the eyes, but even the reflection of the UV rays can be harmful for your eyes. Surfers have been known to suffer from ‘surfer’s eye’ because of the reflection of UV rays against the water while surfing – causing a thin membrane to form on the white part of the eye. Although not cancerous, it can be quite a discomfort and has the potential to grow larger, affecting the cornea and will need to be surgically removed.
Here are a few tips on how you can protect your eyes from sun damage;
- Sunglasses. The most practical and effective way to protect your eyes is to purchase a pair of sunglasses – typically ones that have UV protection lenses. You should even wear sunglasses when it is cloudy out because just like our skin, our eyes can be affected even when it’s overcast.
- Routine eye exams. Getting your eyes checked every one to two years. Sun damage to the eyes can be easily diagnosed so the sooner you get checked out the better!
- UV blocking contacts. If you prefer lenses over glasses, then you should check out contacts that are UV protected.
Summer is here and the days are getting longer, hotter and brighter so be sure to keep your eyes safe by wearing protective eye wear! At Q Optical shop in Boston, MA we have the latest fashion eyewear, especially sunglasses for summer 2014! Make an appointment today or stop by the shop!