How to Protect Your Eyes from The Sun This Summer
At Optikal Opticians, we have a wide range of UV 400 protection sunglasses and we provide UV contact lenses. This is because we know how important it is to be aware of potential issues that can result from overexposure to sunlight.
Why Do You Need to Protect Your Eyes?
Many people do not realise that their eyes can suffer sunburn. After about 6 hours of exposure to the sun, your corneas are likely to be damaged. In the short term, they will recover within around 48 hours, but repeated damage can affect the health of your eyes. There are different kinds of light and different areas that are at risk. When you are considering your protective routine, make sure that it addresses all the potential issues.
Shade
When the sun first makes an appearance, it’s tempting to bask in it all day long whenever possible. However, even with the best protection in the world, the only way you can guarantee full protection is to avoid the sun’s rays altogether. The sun is at its strongest between 10am and 4pm. If you’re planning a break from being outside, it’s best to take it between these times.
Protective Eyewear
You need to be sure you are wearing the best sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun. This means checking that lenses are high-quality and that they are large enough and shaped to offer maximum protection.
When you select your protective eyewear at Optikal Opticians, we can point you in the direction of UV 400 sunglasses and UV contact lenses. Both of these will offer your eyes protection from UVA and UVB rays. Even if you are wearing daily contact lenses, you may still wish to wear sunglasses to protect the area around your eyes.
Suntan Lotion
Suntan lotion is an important part of your summer eyecare routine. The skin around your eyes is quite delicate. It’s easy to miss this area when you are applying sunscreen to the rest of your face. Make sure you cover the eyelids and area underneath your eyes. This will help with the long-term condition of your skin, as well as providing immediate protection.
It’s worth applying sun cream even on overcast days. Your skin tone and tendency to burn may dictate what factor sunscreen you use. Remember that when you go red, the damage is already done, so get your protection on before this.
Be Aware of Any Changes
Eye cancer is rare, but it can result from overexposure to UV rays. If there is any change in the appearance of your eye or sudden changes to your vision, seek medical assistance. Your doctor may tell you to contact an optician once they have ruled out anything serious.
Work with Your Optician
When you visit Optikal Opticians in Potters Bar, Temple Fortune and Finchley, part of the service we provide is advice to keep your eyes in top condition whatever the season. Keep up to date with regular eye appointments to get personalised advice. If you want to know more about summer eyecare as the weather gets better and better, Request an appointment at one of our branches.