Sun Protection Vital for Eyes

Sunglasses. They may just be the summer’s most important accessory.

Carmen A. Puliafito, MD, MBA., professor and chairman of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute of the University of Miami School of Medicine, says the right pair of sunglasses can go a long way in protecting eyes from both long and short term damage caused by the ultraviolet (UV) light of the sun. Eye disease, particularly cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, the leading causes of vision loss among older adults, are just some of the possible consequences of prolonged exposure to the sun. A corneal ultraviolet injury, similar to a sunburn, can happen in just a single outing on a very bright day.

Picking the right pair of sunglasses is ever-important says Puliafito. And, he adds, it’s easy if you keep the following tips in mind:

* Lenses should offer 90-100 percent of both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) protection. UV protection doesn’t improve with price. A higher price generally signals increased durability or better fashion, not greater protection.

* Glasses should cover the entire eye area, including eyelids, and wrap all the way around to your temples. Full coverage means the sun’s rays can’t enter from the side. Wraparound glasses may also reduce the drying effect of the wind.

* Sunglasses should be worn along with a wide-brimmed hat to further block the sun’s rays. Fifty percent of sunlight comes from directly overhead and easily slips past most sunglasses.

* Lens color does not affect degree of protection. However, choosing a color such as gray, green or brown that won’t distort colors, is a good idea.

* Polarizers and antireflective coatings help decrease glare, but polarization has nothing to do with UV light absorption.

Puliafito says that the right sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats aren’t the only way to protect your eyes this summer. Other important precautions and reminders include:

* Never look at the sun directly. Even repeatedly staring at the sun reflected on water can damage eyes.

* UV coatings on contact lenses are important, but do not fully protect your eyes. Contact lens wearers should additionally wear sunglasses to block out harmful sunlight.

* Certain drugs may make your eyes more light-sensitive. Be sure to read drug labels and take the proper precautions.

* Keep children’s eyes protected. Children’s eyes are more prone to sun damage because their lenses are clearer.

* Sunscreen on your face an around your eyes adds another layer of protection against damaging sunlight.

People who work outdoors, have light color skin and/or light colored eyes tend to be at greater risk for sun damage to the eyes. Those individuals should be particularly cautious around sunlight.

More and more people are beginning to understand the danger of sun exposure to the skin, Puliafito says. Hopefully, we can achieve that same increasing awareness about the potential harm the sun’s rays can mean for the eyes.

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Sam Amin is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-sunglasses.com. Helping you find great deals on discount designer sunglasses.