Summer Is Here! Top Tips on How to Protect Your Eyes From the Sun

After a long wait, summer is finally here. With sunlight becoming more intense, it is crucial to protect your eyes all the time. Studies show that sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation. You should do whatever it takes to block UV rays from penetrating your eyes. If you’re bent on protecting your eyes from the sun this summer, here’s what you should remember.
 

Start Eye Protection Early

Clinical findings state that before 18 years old, you absorb 80 percent of the UV radiation you get in your entire lifetime. This is because, in one year, children absorb three times the UV rays that adults get. Children’s ocular lenses are still immature and thin. These young lenses cannot filter UV rays that well yet.
 

Statistics indicate that only five percent of American parents report that their kids wear UV protective sunglasses. Most parents say that they don’t use anything to protect their children’s eyes. It’s often difficult to make your kids wear UV protective eyewear. Even so, you should be more assertive in doing so. It will be for your children’s eye safety and health after all.
 

Wear the Right Sunglasses

Specialists say that you should look for sunglasses that inhibit 99 percent of UVA and UVB rays from entering your eyes. Choose those with large and dark lenses that cover your eyes completely from the sides.
 

Know More About UVB and UVA rays

UVA and UVB rays are two types of UV radiation that harm your eyes. Studies show that these UV rays enter your eyes and reach the light-sensitive area in the back. Exposure to them may also lead to the development of eye diseases, including eye cancer.
 

Wear the Right Contact Lenses

The National Eye Institute (NEI) recommends Class I UV-Blocking contact lenses for effective protection against ultraviolet rays. Discuss UV eye protection with your eye doctor so you can have contact lens options that are suitable for your needs.
 

Select the Right Frames

Research findings reveal that selecting the right frame for your sunglasses also helps in shielding your eyes from harmful UV rays. Wraparound frames are the most effective frames when it comes to UV protection under extreme sunlight.
 

Wear Hats

A ball cap can help, but the ideal hat to wear for summer UV eye protection is a wide-brimmed hat. This type of hat extends farther from your face, shielding your eyes from intense sunlight from the top and the sides.
 

Know the Hours of Intense Sunlight

Scientists have established that the sun gives off the highest levels of radiation during the morning and mid-afternoon hours. While this is true, there will always be UV rays penetrating your eyes whatever time of day. You should wear UV protective eyewear at all times when you go out but reinforce that protection during hours of intense sunlight.
 

Summer is the season for more aggressive UV eye protection. At Primary Vision Care, we have high-quality UV protective eyewear for every age and preference. You can call us at 740-299-1155 (Newark), 740-654-9909 (Lancaster), 740-393-6010 (Mount Vernon), or 937-382-4933 (Wilmington). That way, we can help schedule your appointment or answer your questions about UV eye protection this summer. Feel free to visit our clinics in Ohio, for a one-on-one consultation.