How to Protect Your Eyes this Summer

21 June marks the first official day of summer. As the UK enjoys a sweltering heatwave, let’s make sure our eyes are ready for those bright rays.

Did you know that UV rays can actually harm your eyes?

Many people don’t realise that over-exposure to sunlight may damage not just your skin, but your eyes as well. UV rays can increase the risk of diseases such as cataracts, macular degeneration, eye growths, cancers (including skin cancers involving the eyelids and delicate tissues around the eye), as well as wrinkling and premature ageing.

To prevent the risk of damaging your eyes, it is essential to wear good quality sunglasses that provide good protection.

Choose the Right Sunglasses

Are your sunglasses protective enough?

Sunglasses can vary wildly in quality – and a high price tag doesn’t necessarily mean your glasses will provide effective protection against the sun.

When you are buying sunglasses, make sure you check the following: 

• Look for sunglasses that carry the CE mark
• Glasses should block out 99 to 100 % of both UVA and UVB rays and screen 75 to 90 % of visible light
• Consider transition lenses that block 100 percent of UV rays if you often travel to areas of high altitude
• Wear sunglasses not only at the beach but on the water too. UV rays reflect off water which can give your eyes sunburn!
• If you lead an active outdoors lifestyle, you might want to consider performance sunglasses with wraparound shades
• Contact lens wearers – even if your lenses block UV rays, you still need to wear shades to protect the delicate skin around your eyes

Did you know? The degree of protection that sunglasses provide is not related to the colour and darkness of the lenses. Your optician can verify that the lenses you choose provide 100 % UV protection.

How to Enjoy the Sunshine Safely

• Pay extra attention to your eye protection when the sun is highest in the sky, between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Never look directly at the sun
• Wear eye protection all year round
• Wear a broad-brimmed hat for extra protection against the strong rays
• And don’t forget on cloudy days the sun’s rays can pass through and still cause damage

Whitby & Co Opticians London

We offer high standards of eye care and a variety of sunglasses at different price points from brands such as Tom Ford, Lindberg, Orgreen and Maui Jim.

For more expert optical advice and to view our extensive range of sunglasses, visit Whitby & Co at 29 Fleet Street, London or call us on 0207 353 4455  or email info@whitbyonline.com