During the Summertime protecting our eyes and skin from damaging UV rays may come naturally to us. Grabbing a pair of sunglasses before heading out of the house is normal during the summer, but once fall and winter roll around this may be forgotten. When the days start getting shorter and the sun is hidden behind clouds the sunglasses and hats are being left behind to collect dust.  But harmful UV rays can be more damaging to our eyes in the winter than they are in the summer.  In her article, "Let the Sunshine In, but Not the Harmful Rays,” Lesley Alderman writes, "Snow...reflects nearly 80 percent of the sun's rays.  Dry beach sand? Just 15 percent."

When we expose our eyes to UV rays, no matter the time of year, we can cause irreversible damage.  Extended periods of exposure to UV rays without wearing anything to protect your eyes can contribute to macular degeneration, cataracts, photokeratitis, cancer of the eyelids, and temporary vision loss.

Wearing UV filter sunglasses and fit-over lenses will help protect your eyes from damaging rays.  Make sure to purchase ones that can provide 100% protection from both the UVA/UVB light.  UV filter sunglasses are offered in multiple colors to protect from UV rays, enhance contrast, and reduce glare.  These lenses can also be used inside to help protect against the blue light we are exposed to when working on a computer.

Are you unsure about which sunglasses or fit-overs would work best to protect your vision?  Connect with us, we would be happy to assist you with any questions you may have.

Sources:
Lesley Alderman - "Let the Sunshine In, but Not the Harmful Rays"     http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/15/health/15patient.html