A fun-filled summer is already underway, and folks are parking themselves in front of the beach, on that boat or sauntering the golf courses for hours at a time – but do their eyes have it?
Proper eye wear, of course. Several of us pay less attention to the actual sense that allows us to enjoy all this fun in the first place. They are putting themselves at risk for harming their eyes in a number of ways. People need to take heed now, before the clock cannot be turned back and their eyes are suffering from sun exposure.
Why protect my eyes?
Whether you are working or playing outdoors, your eyes are at a risk. Not just because it is so bright out, but because of ultraviolet light.
UV rays are invisible, high-energy rays of light that, if absorbed by your eyes, can cause or enhance several eye ailments. This happens because the UV light can cause a reaction in our eye tissue. And once it occurs, it cannot be reversed.
The UV rays can play a large role in the following eye diseases:
Cataract – Clouding of the eye; causes blurring or dimming of vision – UV rays are the largest culprit in the formation of cataracts
Pteryguim – Tissue growth on the whites of eyes; can block vision
Skin cancer – Eyelids and facial skin can develop melanoma
Age-related macular degeneration – Deterioration of the eye’s macula (sensitive center of the retina)
Who’s at danger for eye damage caused by the sun?
Everyone who goes outside is at risk for eye damage, but some are more vulnerable than others:
Lifeguards
Construction workers
Gardeners
Fishermen
Pilots
Truck drivers
Police officers
Park rangers
Surveyors
House painters
Frequent sunbathers / beach goers
Frequent golfers
People participating in outdoor sports
The fact is, if your profession or hobby dictates that you be out in the sun, you need to protect your eyes – period.