Protecting Your Eyes from Ultra-Violet Rays

Protect Your Eyes

Everyone wears sunscreen right? Well if we do so much to protect our skin, why wouldn’t we do the same for our eyes?

Studies show that only 42% of people wear protective eye wear from harsh ultra-violet rays. Your probably thinking that sunglasses and hats are your only option for protecting your eyes… think again. We also have contact lenses which will protect your eyes from UV rays up to 97%.

Myth or Fact

You only need UV protection in Summer months?

This is most definitely a myth. UV exposure can be reflected off of snow, water and even sand. It can also penetrate through the clouds. So next time when you take your sunglasses off when the sun goes behind a cloud… think again. The sun is the most dangerous in mid morning and late afternoon, because of the angle it is at. The sun can get around our sunglasses depending on where the sun is.

Kids are in more danger to UV rays than adults?

That is a fact. Children have much larger pupils and their lenses are more clear. Children also tend to spend more time outdoors than adults. They are also less likely to wear sunglasses, hats, or contact lenses.

Symptoms of UV Damage

Over time UV rays can damage your eyes. Some early symptoms are sore, red eyes, photophobia, irritation, and excessive watering. These symptoms can later lead to Caracts, Perygium, Corneal Sunburn, and Macular Degeneration. Cataracts is the clouding of an eyes lens and the part of the eye that focuses the light we see. Pterygium is a growth on the eye, that may eventually block ones vision. Corneal sunburn is very painful and can lead to temporary vision loss. Then there is Macular Degeneration which is loss of vision in older people.