Protect your eyes in the sunshine

Posted: June 14 2012

The UK has been basking in some glorious, if overdue, sunshine over the last week – but as the weather heats up, while you are stocking up on your sun creams and lotions please take a moment to think about the protection you give your eyes.

The suns’ UV rays can damage eyes as well as skin and overexposure is linked to a range of conditions including: cataracts, pterygium and photokeratitis degenerative changes. These conditions can result in blurred vision, irritation, redness, temporary vision loss and in extreme cases blindness.

Children and teenagers in particular need to be aware of the need protect their eyes as well as their skin from the sun as they spend more time outdoors than adults during the summer season. Children’s eyes are more transparent than adult eyes and as a result an increased number of potentially harmful rays of light can reach the retina.

Remember - whatever your age always wear a hat or quality sunglasses which are designed to offer good UV protection.