UV and Your Eyes
Many of us remember the “no hat, no play” and “slip, slop, slap” messages from our schoolyard days. The recommendations for sun safety and our skin are well documented by the Cancer Council, but many of us forget about the impact that the sun and UV can have on our eyes.
The optometrists at the Optical Co have a passion for helping maintain eye health. Below are some answers to frequent questions in this regard.
How can we protect our eyes from UV?
The best way we can protect our eyes is with sunglasses, not just in summer but all year round. Sunglasses not only look good and protect our eyes from UV, they can also help prevent other eye conditions such as dry eyes.
Larger sized frames that cover more of the delicate areas around the eyes are obviously more protective as are wrap around frames. Talk to the team at The Optical Co for advice regarding prescription sunglasses.
Wearing a hat is recommended too of course.
Do polarised lenses offer better protection?
Polarised lenses do not provide extra UV protection though they reduce glare by reflecting it. This provides greater comfort than regular tinted lenses and this means clearer vision to people who are wearing them – especially while driving, on the beach, and during activities on water such as fishing.
Can contact lenses help protect my eyes from UV?
Many people don’t know this but most contact lenses have a UV protective filter. However, it will only protect the area covered ie the cornea, and still leave other parts of the eye exposed including the delicate conjunctiva & eyelids.
Feel free to come in and have your questions answered or book an eye test online. The team look forward to seeing you.
