It is important to protect your eyes with sunglasses all year round. Although the harmful effects are 3 times greater in summer, you still need to wear protection in winter.
Most people realise the importance of protecting their skin against the harmful effects of UV light and use protection when outdoors.
What most people do not realise is that damage is being done to your delicate eyes every time they are exposed to UV light. Unlike your skin, your eyes cannot repair themselves and once damage has been done it is permanent.
Exposure to these harmful rays without eye protection can lead to:
- Cataracts – Cloudiness that forms in the lens of the eye
- Pterygium – Tissue growth on the whites of the eye
- Skin Cancer near the eyes
- Photokeratitis – Sunburn of the Cornea
To protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays, good quality sunglasses should be worn every time you are enjoying the outdoors during the day. UV rays are strongest between 10am and 4pm, so it is very important to wear protective eye-wear during this time.
Everyone is susceptible to damage from the sun, but there are a few groups that have a higher risk of serious effects from the sun. These include children under 10 years as their eyes are not able to stop as much UV damage to the retina as an adult.
Other groups with a higher than average risk of damage from the sun include:
- People with Retinal disorders
- Cataract surgery patients
- People taking medications which increase glare sensitivity
- People with lighter pigmented eyes
