personalEYES BLOG
Don't fry your eyes
The sun's harmful rays
 While most of us take some measures to protect our skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, nearly half of Australian adults fail to regularly protect their eyes from UV damage.
Accumulated UV exposure can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration (a leading cause of blindness), cancer and pterygium (a fleshy growth on the cornea). Even short bursts of unprotected UV exposure can lead to pain, irritation and sensitivity to light.
All exposure to UV radiation, regardless of how short, adds up in the longer term. The key to protection from harmful UV light is to start young and make it part of your child’s routine.
Protecting your eyes from UV damage
The simplest way of protecting your eyes from UV radiation is to limit your exposure.
- Stay out of the sun between 10am and 4pm.
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Make UV protection, including sunglasses or Transitions® lenses, part of your everyday routine.
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Ensure your eye protection meets Australian Standards.
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Wear a hat. A broad-brimmed hat will protect your head from sunburn and reduce by half the amount of UV reaching your eyes.
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Choose sunglasses that have a bridge sitting as close to your eyes as possible without touching your eyelashes.
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Transitions® lenses that automatically adjust to changing light conditions provide convenient UV and glare protection for prescription lens wearers. If you have an existing lens prescription, check that your sunglasses prescription is also current.
Expert Advice
Choose eye protection that best suits your lifestyle. Your optometrist can give you the best advice about suitable UV protection.
Sunglasses don't need to be expensive. As long as the sunglasses fit well and meet Australian Standards your eyes will be protected.
Have your eyes tested regularly or as advised by your optometrist. The earlier UV-related conditions such as macular degeneration are detected, the better the chance of effective treatment.
Optometrists Association Australia | Read Article >
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