You stock up on a good broad spectrum UVA/UVB blocking sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30. You apply every day, regardless of weather or season and you remember to reapply frequently. So you’ve got sun protection licked, right?
While you’re part way there, there’s an important body part that you may be neglecting…a recent article tells us that most individuals ignore the danger that sun poses to eye health. UV rays from sunlight can damage the retina and the lens of the eye and can lead to long-term damage. Too much exposure is linked to conditions like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
Think those sunglasses you picked up at the dollar store are helping? Think again. Cheap sunglasses with no UV filters poses an even greater danger than wearing none at all because the pupils will dilate allowing more harmful rays into the eye. Individuals with light colored eyes are most at risk from sun damage and those with blue eyes should always wear sunglasses, experts advise. When choosing sunglasses always look for ones that are labeled as meeting the requirements of the ANSI Z80.3 or CSA Z94.5 sunglass standards (in Canada). This means that they have been certified as meeting minimum impact and UV and visible light protection criteria.
Read the full article here.
