My Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades!

Save Your Vision Tip # 4--Wear Sunglasses to Protect Your Eyes from Harmful UV-A and UV-B Radiation!

In addition to protecting your vision while playing sports or performing household chores, the most important step you can take to protect your vision is to invest in a quality pair of sunglasses to shield your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.

Exposure to the sun over our lifetime is cumulative.  Even small amounts of UV radiation over a long period of time can pre-dispose you to the development of eye disease such as cataract and macular degeneration.   It also increases your risk of developing skin cancer around the eyelids and the development of pterygium and pinguela—growths on the white part of the eye.

For proper protection, your sunglasses should block out 99 to 100% of all UV-A and UV-B radiation and screen out 75 to 90% of all visible light.  Though not always necessary, if you spend a great deal of time outdoors, wrap-a-round sunglasses will provide even more protection.  Remember, even if you wear contact lenses that have UV protection, it is important to protect the area of the eye that is not covered by your contacts.  Not only will you be more comfortable blocking your eyes from the bright sunlight, squinting on a bright day can cause wrinkles!  Don’t forget that artificial UV radiation from tanning beds, welders and some lasers also can contribute to the cumulative effect of eye damage over your lifetime.  

Bottom line?  For a really bright future, don't forget your shades!