Most of us know that we need to take steps to protect our skin from the damage that can be caused to it by the sun. However, far fewer people realize that the UV light that is emitted by the most powerful object in the universe can also affect our sensitive eyes. In addition to actual sunburn to the cornea, UV damage can lead to a range of ocular problems, including:

• Macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss in older people
• Cataracts, which is the clouding of the natural lens of the eye 
• Pterygium, which causes a growth on the eye
• Skin cancer on the skin around the eyes

Your eyes need just as much protection from the sun as your skin does. Here are our top tips for keeping your eyes fully protected from the harmful effects of UV light when you are outdoors. 

Wear sunglasses, but choose them wisely

Unsurprisingly, the best way to protect your eyes from harmful radiation caused by UV rays is to wear sunglasses, BUT… not all sunglasses are equal in the protection that they offer. There are countless different varieties of sunglasses to choose from, and you can buy them in fashion outlets and supermarkets as well as directly from optical stores. So, how do you know which are the best sunglasses for keeping your eyes fully protected? There are a few things to consider.

100% blockage of UV rays. The single most important thing to look for when buying sunglasses is a sticker or tag that shows that they have been tested and have been found to protect against 100% of UV rays. Unfortunately, many of us become preoccupied with the style rather than looking for this crucial piece of information. 

Go big! Oversized sunglasses aren’t just a fashion statement – they also provide greater coverage for your eyes and the skin that surrounds them. If oversized glasses aren’t your thing, consider a wraparound style instead.

Tint doesn’t matter. It can be tempting to choose funky or extra-dark tints, but whilst these will impact on how you look and the color that you see when wearing them, there isn’t any shade that will offer any greater protection. 

Choose polarized where possible. If lenses are marked as being polarized, they won’t offer you any more UV protection, but they will cut down any glare that you will likely experience in bright sunlight. This can make your vision more comfortable and make activities such as driving significantly safer! 

If you aren’t sure which sunglasses are right for you, our expert team will be happy to advise you!

Consider wearing a hat

It may not be obvious but wearing a hat with a wide brim can provide extra shade, further preventing any UV light from sneaking in around your sunglasses frames. 

Large, floppy sunhats, visors and even baseball caps can all be beneficial. 

Be risk-aware

The highest UV radiation exposure for eyes and skin is actually in the morning and mid-afternoon, rather than at midday. Be sure to take extra precautions when the sun is strongest, but everyone would benefit from wearing sunglasses at all times when outdoors, even on cloudy days. This is because the sun emits UV radiation at all times, not just when the sky is clear, and the sun is shining. 

For more advice on the best way to protect your eyes from the sun, please speak to our knowledgeable eye care team today.