The answer is YES!
This week marks Sun Awareness Week and we really wanted to remind you how important it is to stay safe in the sun.
It’s quite easy to be safe when outside, with the simplest and most important thing is to put on sun screen and wear your sunglasses. Make sure you put on a hat, or cover your skin as well. It’s the easy things like this that save your skin and eyes from harmful and painful damage caused by the sun when over-exposed.
What damage can the sun cause?
Over-exposure to the sun’s rays can cause serious damage to your body and eyes. You have to protect yourself from skin cancers and sunglasses will protect your eyes from the Ultra Violet Rays, which can have harmful effects on the eyelid, cornea, lens and retina.
Who is affected?
Everyone is affected by damage to the skin and eyes from the sun. Many people don’t realise that the sun can have a long term impact on eyes when they’re left unprotected. From cataracts to sunburn (yes, your eyes can get sunburned) it’s important to protect your them.
Sunburn
Have you ever spent a day in the sun without your sunglasses and experienced watering, itchy, gritty dry eyes – that’s probably sunburn. You can help alleviate the symptoms by using a cool compress on your eyes.
Cataracts
This is the clouding of the lens of the eyes, where your vision becomes blurry and difficult to see. Research has shown that UV light from the sun’s rays is a significant factor in the onset of cataracts.
Macular Degeneration
The macular is the main part where you see from and as you get older it deteriorates. UV exposure, over time, can increase the onset of macular degeneration.
So this year, remember to wear sunscreen, wear a t-shirt, stay in the shade and wear a decent pair of sunglasses and during Sun Awareness Week spread the word of sun safety and the dangers of over exposure!
It is important to invest in the right pair of sunglasses for your visual needs. There are a number of different types of lenses including polarised, tinted, mirrored – all with different benefits and styles. We can help you choose the right pair for your lifestyle.