As much as us Brits love the sun, there’s no denying that it can have damaging effects on our bodies if we spend too much time basking in it unprotected. With the promise of nicer weather on the way in the following months, it’s important that you protect not only your skin, but your eyes from the sun too.
How can the sun damage your eyes?
Damage from the sun can be very detrimental to your eyes, especially in the future. Cataracts, macular degeneration, and damage to the retina are all potential issues that could develop from overexposure to the sun. Looking after your eyes now protects you from vision problems in the future.
R Woodfall opticians tell us the best ways to protect your eyes from the sun. keep reading to find out how you can do this effectively and safely.
Wear your UV protection sunglasses
Sunglasses are a fantastic option when it comes to protecting your eyes from UV rays. Quality sunglasses act as a barrier, keeping the rays from meeting your eyes. It’s been found that sunglasses protect your eyes from around 99% of all UV rays, making them an incredibly effective option.
As soon as the sun comes out, or if you’re travelling anytime soon, don’t forget your sunglasses! They’re a vital part of staying safe from the sun.
Additionally, if you’re someone who wears glasses, there are lens options available that make protecting your eyes from the sun simple. Instead of switching between your prescription lenses and sunglasses, you can now buy a lens that combines your prescription with UV protection. Having your prescription and your UV protection all in one makes taking care of your vision a lot more convenient.
Stay out of the sun for prolonged periods of time
Another surefire way to protect your eyes from sun damage is by staying out of the sun for extended amounts of time. During the hottest hours of the day, taking breaks to go inside or find shade is important. You don’t want to expose your eyes to the sun for hours at a time with no form of protection.
Simply staying out of the sun saves your eyes from being exposed to harmful amounts of UV rays, which can have adverse health effects.
Wear a hat or carry an umbrella
When you’re out in the sun, wearing a hat or cap can help avert the sun’s rays from your eyes, therefore protecting them. This is a simple yet effective method in keeping your eyes safe from the sun. Alternatively, you could also carry an umbrella which will shade you from the sun too. This is a particularly great option for the hottest days of the year where the sun poses the biggest threat.
Overall, sunglasses with UV protection, staying out of the sun, and wearing hats and caps are the easiest and most effective ways to keep your eyes safe and avoid damage from the sun.
