Summer is officially here which means we have traded in our toques and scarves for sun friendly accessories – like sunglasses. When picking out a pair that’s right for you, make sure they provide enough protection from the sun.
“Overexposure to Ultra Violet (UV) rays can sunburn your eyes,” explains Dr. Chadda from Hamilton “Although you might not see the damage right away, overexposure to sunlight can lead to the development of eye diseases such as growths, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration later in life.”
These conditions can cause blurred vision, irritation, redness, tearing, temporary vision loss and, in some cases, blindness.
To help protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays, Dr. Chadda suggests wearing sunglasses. Below are some tips to keep in mind when purchasing sunglasses:
- Don’t be misled. Not all lenses labeled “UV protection” have safe and optimal levels of protection. Select quality sunglasses or contact lenses that block out 99 to 100 per cent of UV-A and UV-B radiation and 75 to 90 per cent of visible light.
- Select uniform lenses. Make sure that your lenses are perfectly matched in colour and free of distortions or imperfections. This will ensure you can see clearly.
- Lens colour matters. Select gray-colored lenses. They reduce light intensity without altering the colour of objects and provide the most natural color vision.
- Stay informed. Keep up-to-date on the latest in UV protection. Check out the UV Canada smartphone app for up-to-date info on UV radiation in your location.
If you have any questions about your eye health, we encourage you to visit your local doctor of optometry. To find an optometrist near you, visit optom.on.ca/.
