DO I REALLY NEED SUNGLASSES?

By now we all know the detrimental effects of the sun’s ultraviolet rays to our skin, and our eyes are just as prone to it. While it’s difficult to say exactly how much UV exposure damages the eye over time, we do know the effects are cumulative – it’s building up from when we are kids playing outside.

The sun increases our chances of developing several eye problems, including:

Sunburned, chronically dry eyes AKA “Photokeratitis”

Cataracts…earlier than age would have you….

Macular degeneration….a leading cause of blindness in the US

EYE CANCER, such as melanomas in the eye….yes, our eyes have pigment cells just like our skin!

What to do? Get a pair of sunglasses and wear anytime you’re outside. That’s in the freezing temperatures of winter as well as those hot summer days….if it’s daytime, the sun is out!
Remember, you don’t need to spend a lot for a good pair of sunglasses. The pairs sold in the drugstore with “UVA/UVB” protective stickers are just as good as those trendy brand name frames.
And don’t forget those kids in the playground! It may take a lot of nagging, but they need protected eyes too! Even a brimmed hat or visor helps! If they keep refusing, keep trying! They’ll thank you one day….maybe.