Protect your eyes against UV rays
I always thought of sunglasses as a fashion statement. But, they are much more than just an accessory, as they help to protect your eyes and the surrounding tissue against the effect of UV rays.
I became aware of the importance of protecting my eyes when I became a flight attendant. Flying to warm destinations all year long, I was constantly exposed to the UV rays from the sun. I started experiencing pain in my eyes after a few months and I was really worried.
I went to see my Doctor of Optometry and he suggested that I should be wearing sunglasses every day, even when going out during the winter months. It was really surprising because protecting my eyes has never been a priority for me. What about all those years where I was protecting my skin with sunscreen without even thinking about my eyes? Much like a sunburn, UV rays are absorbed by the eyes’ tissue.
Luckily I didn’t develop any lasting eye damage but it definitely scared me because exposure to UV is cumulative. UV rays from the sun can cause serious eye damage and can increase the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye diseases. That is why it is important to get an eye exam to identify any early onset of eye conditions, many of which have no obvious symptoms.
Children’s eyes are even more vulnerable to UV damage because their eyes do not filter UV like adult eyes do. With all the time that my children spend playing outside, it is concerning to think about the consequences. It is estimated that children receive approximately three times the annual adult dose of UV. Kids should wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection, a hat, and sunscreen. If your older kids are wearing contact lenses, you could also consider adding an extra layer of protection with UV-blocking contact lenses.
My goal is not to scare you, but to raise awareness about the effects that UV rays from the sun can cause on your eyes. I want you to protect your eyes against UV rays, especially as we head into summer. Equally important is to get your eyes checked by a Doctor of Optometry as soon as possible. They can help you find sunglasses that would be the right fit for you and your family. Not all sunglasses are created equal and choosing lenses that are 100% UV blocking against both UVA and UVB is essential. What do you do to protect your family’s eyes from UV damage?
This post has been brought to you by Doctors of Optometry, but the images and opinions are my own. For more information, please visit http://www.doctorsofoptometry.ca.
I don’t wear sunglasses because I wear prescription lenses, but I know that there are polarized lenses available. And I bought sunglasses for my daughter to wear when she was a very young age.
My 5 year old son has glasses that turn into sunglasses when he goes outside. They are awesome!
Thanks for the info, we must be vigilant in protecting our eyes. We often take our sight for granted.
Thank you for this very important post. I will try to remember to wear my sunglasses as I was like you and thought it wasn’t a big deal.
I know wearing sunglasses is so important and feel negligent as I did not enforce this with my children. I am not a good example either because I rarely wear sunglasses.
Fashion and function! Good thing my kids love their sunnies 🙂
Wow. I totally never even thought about eye protection…especially not in the winter. Guess my family will have sunglasses glued to our faces now.
I wear sunglasses pretty much all year round, it’s so important to maintain good eye health! Speaking of which I’ve just realized I’m a few months overdue for an examination!
Sunglasses are so important. I even have them for my 23 month old son!
It’s so important to protect your eyes. The lighter your eyes are the great chance you have of developing macular degeneration as per my ophthalmologist; he advised to always wear sun glasses outside.
Thanks very much for this information, I didn’t realize that kids eyes don’t filter UV as well as adults. I will ensure my daughter & son-in-law are aware to keep my grandson`s eyes protected.
It’s terrible that people Do not protect their eyes. They are So delicate.
I did not realize the importance of wearing sun glasses as often as suggested here. Even in winter months!! Also I did not know that this could also cause damage to possibly cause cataracts etc. when we get older. Very interesting and I believe I will now be wearing sun glasses more often than I have. Thanks for the info…
GREAT POST! WE REALLY NEED TO BE CAREFUL WITH OUR CHILDRENS EYES!
Great post!! everyone should protect there eyes, just like getting sun burnt, you can also damage your eyes, everyone should wear sunglasses!!
good tips
interesting article, i didn’t realize the damage was possible during the winter too!
Great recommendation! I’m not sure why families will more readily protect their child’s skin, but neglect the eyes. It must be due to lack of knowledge.
Ok I have to ask – who’s eye is that in your first pic? Great shot! This is such an important topic, and one that far too many people know about. Thanks for spreading the word! While I usually wear sunglasses, I get double the protection as my contacts have both 100% UVA and B protection.
It’s so important to protect our eyes, they’re overlooked way too often! I always have sunglasses in the summer.
I didn’t realize that kids eyes don’t filter UV as well as adults. I will go sunglasses shopping with my boys soon! Great reminder about sun safety!
Even during the winter months? I actually didn’t know that. I wear them often anyways to hide the bags under my eyes. LOL. But yes I can see why this make sense.