Why Your Eyes Need UV Eye Protection This Summer

Summer is here; a time when we take extra steps to protect our skin from the potentially damaging effects of UV radiation. But did you know it’s just as important to shield your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays? Many of us are less aware of the connection between UV radiation and eye exposure.  UV damage to our eyes is cumulative, mostly irreversible, and one of the risk factors associated with cataracts and other eye conditions.

While we know direct sunlight can cause damage to the eyes, reflected UV rays (off of sand, snow or water) can be even more harmful. The time of day also influences the available UV radiation, but exposure to the eye is quite different than for skin. Because the eye is shaded by the brow ridge when the sun is high in the sky, the most intense UV radiation exposure for eyes is actually in the morning and mid-afternoon, rather than at noon, as it is for skin. A high percentage of UV rays penetrate through cloud cover and UV damage can occur year round. Protecting children’s eyes is especially important since more UV light is transmitted through their still-developing internal lenses. Kids can also be outdoors up to three times more than adults and most have larger pupils—all factors for increased exposure. So even if it doesn’t feel like beach weather, it’s important for everyone to have eye protection from UV radiation and it is never too late to start a UV protection strategy.

June 27 is National Sunglasses Day and our Dublin and East Optical Shoppes are celebrating by offering a 30% discount off of any plano (no prescription) or prescription sunglasses. We have a large assortment of sunglasses and our opticians can help you to select the right frame to give you a great look and important UV protection.  Depending on your activities, we can design a pair using high quality polarized lenses, Transition lenses, or customize a tint or treatment that works best for your outdoor activities. See you on the 27^th!