Raising Awareness of UV Damage

We are only too aware of the damage the sun can do to our skin if we leave it unprotected. Sun burn and skin cancer are just some of the damaging effects from UV rays. However, have you ever thought about the damage UV can do to your eyes if not adequately protected?

The month of May is UV awareness month and with that in mind, here at Associated Optical, we wanted to talk about UV protection and how you can help keep your eyes healthy.

Invest in the best

Protecting your eyes from the glare of the sun isn't important just to stop them watering or from you squinting to see, it can also help protect your eyes from long lasting future damage.
Sadly, a lot of people buy cheap sunglasses thinking that they will give us adequate protection. However, this isn't always the case. If sunglasses don't have adequate UV protection, they can trick the eye into thinking it's dark outside. Therefore, the pupil will dilate to allow more light into the eye and that can cause more UV to get into the eye than it normally would.

At Associated Optical, we sell a range of Anti-Glare and contrast enhancement glasses. These have been designed to give full protection to your eyes from the sun. Prices start from just £36.99

Learn more about Anti-Glare & Contrast Enhancement

How your eyes may get damaged by UV

Even on cloudy days, we should wear adequate eye protection but you should be more aware of protecting your eyes from damage if you...

• Work outside (between 10-3 when the sun is at its strongest)
• Drive long distances without eye protection
• Have lighter coloured eyes
• Have a family history of eye issues (including cancers of the eye)
• Suffer from watery eyes which can cause you to strain your eyes
• Work with water, snow and sand without eye protection

What else can you do to protect your eyes?

Sadly, our eyes can easily get neglected. In order to maintain good eye health we recommend you:

• Maintain regular eye examinations - Unless you have a known history of eye issues, every 18 months to 2 years should be adequate. If you are over the age of 60, we recommend an eye test every 12 months.
• When outside, ensure you wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and wear a hat for added protection from above
• Ensure your sunglasses offer full protection from UV rays. Your sunglasses should block 99%-100% UV radiation.
• Don't forget little ones. Ensure they carry their sunglasses everywhere with them too and that their sunglasses offer full protection for their eyes.