Hi Everyone,

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a chance to enjoy the holiday period and enjoyed some time with friends and family. This month we've got some information to share with you about UV protection especially during these summer months.

If you have any eyecare concerns on any topic, we are able to discuss this with you during a scheduled appointment. We are able to take appointments conveniently online, you can book online easily using our website: click here

Kind regards,

David Lee
Visique Botany Optometrists
https://visique-botany.co.nz/
09 274 9839

Educational Content Series:

UV Protection for your Eyes

3 min read:

Summer is a time for fun in the sun, but it's also a time to protect our eyes from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that the sun emits. UV radiation can cause a range of eye problems, including cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and even cancer. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, about 20% of cataracts are caused by UV radiation.

The first step in protecting our eyes from UV rays is to wear sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection. Look for sunglasses that are labeled as providing "UV 400" protection, which means they block all light rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers, including both UVA and UVB rays. It's also a good idea to choose sunglasses that wrap around the sides of the face, as this can help to block UV rays that may enter the eye from the side.

In addition to sunglasses, it's also a good idea to wear a hat with a brim to help shade the eyes. This can be especially helpful when spending time outdoors, such as at the beach or while hiking. You can also seek out shaded areas or wear a visor instead of a cap.

Another way to protect your eyes from UV rays is by avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, especially during the middle of the day when UV rays are at their strongest. If you must be outside during this time, take frequent breaks in the shade. This will help to reduce the overall amount of UV exposure that your eyes receive.

It's also important to remember that UV rays can be reflected off surfaces such as water, sand, and snow, so it's still important to protect your eyes even when spending time near these surfaces. Moreover, UV radiation can also penetrate clouds, so it's important to protect your eyes even on overcast days.

It's also important to note that UV protection is not just for people who spend a lot of time outdoors, but also for those who spend a lot of time looking at screens. Digital devices emit blue light and prolonged exposure to blue light can cause eye strain and fatigue. You can protect your eyes from blue light by using blue light blocking glasses or by reducing the amount of time you spend looking at screens.

In conclusion, protecting our eyes from UV rays is essential to maintaining good eye health, especially during the summer months. Wearing sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection, wearing a hat with a brim, and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun are all effective ways to reduce the risk of eye problems caused by UV radiation. Remember to protect your eyes not just when you're spending time outdoors, but also when you're spending time looking at screens. Taking these precautions will help ensure that your eyes remain healthy and that you can enjoy all the fun that summer has to offer.