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.
Sunglasses know how.
Taking care of your eyes should be a top concern for Americans no matter the time of the year, but especially during the hot summer months of June, July and August. Sunglasses provide one of the best sources of UV protection.
When choosing a pair of sunglasses, consider the UV filtering, lens color, comfort and price. In order to properly protect your eyes, choose sunglasses that over at least 95 percent UV protection. Also, choose a lens tint that blocks 80 percent of transmissible light, but no more than 90-92 percent of light because lens tint does not protect you from UV rays, and can affect your ability to see correctly.
There are three major types of sunglasses categories:
Cosmetic sunglasses – they normally block only 0-60 percent of visible light and UV rays between 87-95 percent. Because the lens tint is so low, they aren’t recommended for driving.
General purpose sunglasses – they block between 60-90 percent of light and between 95-99 percent of UV rays. They are great for driving and harsh sunlight.
Special purpose sunglasses – they block up to 97 percent of light and at least 99 percent of UV rays – great for the days you will be outside for long periods of time. Because they block so much light, they are not recommended for driving.
And keep in mind that finding a great pair of UV filtering sunglasses doesn’t mean you have to pay an arm and a leg – cheaper sunglasses can provide all the protection your eyes need – just be sure to check their label and ask the retailer questions when purchasing your pair.
There are several different types of sunglasses on the market today, but here are a few explained:
Regular lenses – they reduce the overall brightness of light
Polarizing Lenses – they cut the glare of reflection – perfect for driving or outdoor activities
Photochromic lenses – they turn up or down the intensity of light as you need it. For example, the lenses are lighter indoors, but turn darker when outside.
Mirror lesnses – Rather than absorb the light, mirror lenses actually reflect the light.
After choosing the right sunglasses, pay attention to the outdoors. UV rays are reflected off of water and white sand, which increases your need for eye protection. It is especially important to avoid the sun or wear adequate eye protection during the mid-day hours (10a.m. – 3p.m.) when the sun’s rays are the strongest. And top your head with a hat – just the simple combination of a hat and sunglasses can give you all the protection you need to protect those baby blues.
External Links:
Eye Health - Learning how to take care of your eyes