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9 Tips on How to Protect Your Eyes in the Sun

Bright Advice From Your Bloomington, Illinois, Eye doctor

The sun can damage more than just your skin, and your eyes are particularly at risk. Ultraviolet rays can lead to a variety of health problems, such as eye and eyelid cancer and photokeratitis, which is like a sunburn on your cornea. Overexposure to UV rays can also raise your chances of cataracts in the future. Fortunately, there are many effective ways to protect your vision. Our Bloomington, Illinois, eye doctor at American Vision Center - Bloomington has prepared the following list:

1.       UV Protection

The sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage your retina and the lasting health of your eyes. That’s why it is essential to wear sunglasses that provide protection against 100% of UV light and hazardous blue light rays. Don’t be tempted into buying cheap low quality sunglasses, or your vision can pay a steep price. Take care to purchase your sunglasses from an optical store you can trust, and not from a trending department store at the local mall.

2.       Introducing the E-SPF®3 index

Our Bloomington, Illinois, eye doctor recommends purchasing sunglasses with lenses that have E-SPF®3, a gauge to measure UV reflections from the front and back surfaces of the lens. Ultimate protection for your eyes can be found in lenses with E-SPF® 50+, the highest level of the index.

3.       Darker is not better

Ultra-dark sunglasses lenses prompt your pupil to dilate wider, which can allow a larger amount of UV rays and dangerous blue light to enter. Although it sounds counter-intuitive, very dark tinted sunglasses can actually be worse for your eyes over time.

4.       Vision is for life – start with sun safety for kids

The effects of UV exposure are cumulative, and studies show that approximately 85% of UV damage actually occurs during childhood – before 18 ½ years old. This statistic is primarily to blame on the fact that most kids don’t wear sunglasses with adequate UV protection. When you purchase your kids’ wardrobe for sunny days, be sure to stop by your nearby optical store to choose a stylish, quality pair of sunglasses.

5.       Sunglasses contact lenses put an end to squinting

Sunglasses are not always the most convenient eyewear for protecting your vision while you’re working up a sweat outdoors. They can slip down your nose, fog up, or accumulate water drops from the ocean spray. Other than squinting, how else can you limit the effects of the sun’s bright rays? Sunglasses contact lenses are a new, breakthrough solution. These dynamic contacts have Transitions technology that darken in response to UV rays, just like photochromic glasses lenses do.

6.       Put on a hat

A wide brimmed hat is a fantastic way to keep your eyes in the shade, protected from the sun. Even if you always wear sunglasses when you head outdoors, you are leaving your eye area vulnerable to sun rays that can get in through gaps along the sides of your frames. A hat with a brim that’s at least 3 inches wide will eliminate those gaps.

7.       Watch the clock

Be aware of when the sun is shines strongest and stay indoors during those hours. You may be surprised to learn that your exposure to the highest amounts of UV radiation is actually in the early morning hours and throughout the mid-afternoon – and not at noon, like most people believe.

8.       The design of your frames matters

While most discussions about UV protection revolve around the type of lenses that are in your sunglasses, our Bloomington, Illinois, optometrist points out that the style of your frames is also significant. Wrap-around sunglasses provide the most coverage for your eyes and sensitive skin that surrounds them.

9.       Keep chemicals out of your eyes

Sunscreen is a staple for outdoor safety. However, if you get sunscreen in your eyes it can cause many painful symptoms, including redness and severe stinging. Take care not to smear large globs of sunscreen close to your eyes. Thicker sunscreen creams, as opposed to runny lotions that may drip into your eyes, are recommended for the facial area.

Want the Best and Latest Styles of Sunglasses & Frames?

We sell a wide range of stylish premium sunglasses for adults and children – with full UV protection – at our Bloomington, Illinois, optical store. Stop by anytime to take a look!

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