How to Protect Eyes From Sun Exposure
- 1). Wear sunglasses whenever your eyes are exposed to UV light, including on cloudy days and during the winter months. Although UV radiation is three times stronger during the summer months, intense UV rays are reflected off snow and can be just as damaging during winter.
- 2). Choose lenses that are designed to block out 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. Sunglasses also should screen out 75 to 90 percent of visible light. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get adequate protection, but you do need to inspect the lenses for any imperfections before you buy a pair.
- 3). Consider gray-colored lenses for your sunglasses, as these tend to reduce the intensity of light yet provide the most natural color vision. Dark lenses do not necessarily protect the eyes from the UV rays of the sun. Lenses with no UV protection, even if tinted dark, actually can harm the eyes more because they let in more UV light. Ask your optician to check your sunglasses to measure the UV protection if you are uncertain.
- 4). Encourage your children to wear sunglasses, especially if they are going to be in the sun for a long period of time. Even infants should wear sunglasses made of flexible plastic when out in the sun, as experts warn that most of the damage caused to the eyes from UV light typically occurs before age 18.
- 5). Don't send your children outside to play without them wearing sunglasses. Children spend more time in the sun than most adults, so it’s important for them to wear sunglasses for protection. You wouldn’t send your children outdoors without sunscreen on their skin, so take the necessary steps to protect their eyes from the sun as well.
