FUN IN THE SUN! DON’T FORGET TO PROTECT YOUR EYES

SUMMER is finally here! To make our eyes safe while we enjoy the wonderful sun, we have to know a few things first:

  • Levels of UV (ultraviolet radiation) are 3 x higher in the summer than winter.
  • Long hours in the sun without eye protection can increase your risk for cataracts, macular degeneration, and eye cancers.
  • Wearing Sunglasses that block 100% UV absorption is the best defense.

Tips for buying Sunglasses:

1)    Make it 100% UV blocking

2)    Bigger is better

  • More coverage lowers the amount of UV radiation entering the eye

3)    Darker lenses don’t protect more

  • Darker lenses may allow you to feel more comfortable in brighter light, but do not affect UV entering the eye.

4)    Color doesn’t matter

5)    Polarized lenses cut glare, not UV

  • Polarized lenses reduce glare from surfaces like pavement or water. They can be useful when on boats.

6)    Cost shouldn’t be a factor

  • Less expensive glasses marked 100% UV protection are as effective as pricier options.

7)    Blue blocking lenses are not necessary

  • The most important factor is to block UV radiation, not blue light. There is no evidence that blue light from digital devices or the sun damages our eyes. To prevent digital eye strain, take breaks to blink and use artificial tears.

Blog posted by Dr. Omar Faridi a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship trained in medical and surgical glaucoma. For more information on cataracts, cataract surgery, or other services, feel free to contact us at (203) 878-1236 in any one of our 5 offices in Milford, Orange, Branford, Shelton, or Westport. We are looking forward to hearing from you soon.

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