Summer 2007	Eye Do! How to Buy Shades That Will Protect Your Eyes from the Sun
Add them to your summertime shopping list: sunglasses. You need to protect your eyes against the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays the same way you protect your skin. The more you expose your eyes to bright sunlight, the greater your risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration — two conditions that can lead to vision loss. What’s more, intense sunlight can burn the cornea. These burns can lead to other eye problems later in life. The bottom line: Set your sights on protecting your eyes with these sun-savvy tips: • Choose Shades that Block UV Rays Look for sunglasses that block 99 percent to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. Don’t judge the sun-protection power by the price tag. Many inexpensive glasses block UV rays as effectively as pricey ones. • Opt for Wraparound Styles The more surface area the sunglasses cover, the more protection for your eyes and surrounding skin. Pick glasses that wrap around to your temples and fit closely to your face to prevent sun from seeping in on the sides. • Pick any Color What’s important is the amount of UV protection — not the color of the lens. • Have Contact Lenses and Other Eyeglasses Protected Ask your eye doctor whether your contacts and other glasses can be coated with UV-blocking material. • Take Extra Care at the Beach and Pool UV rays reflected off water and sand can be especially intense. Wear your sunglasses on the beach and poolside. When you’re swimming, consider goggles to shield your eyes.
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