Almost everyone knows how important it is to keep your skin protected from the damaging rays of the sun. But did you know that your eyes also need some care? Recent research has shown that more than one-third of adults have experienced eye irritation, trouble seeing, and red or swollen eyes due to prolonged UV exposure. But the good news in all of this is that taking care of your eyes can be easily handled. Read on to learn how.
But First: What You Need to Know About the Sun, UV Radiation and Your Eyes
Several eye problems have been linked to UV exposure, including cataracts, macular degeneration, cancers of the eye and surrounding skin, and more. The concern here is that many people do not take into consideration the level of sun exposure they had while growing up, and since UV exposure is cumulative over a person’s lifetime, it’s impossible to turn back the damage that was done – but you can take action today to lessen your risk of making these conditions worse.
How to Stay Safe in the Sun
You probably know about sunscreen for your skin, but did you know that sunglasses are to eyes what sunscreen is to the skin? But there’s even a better way to protect your vision than that. UV protection with contact lenses! That’s right; studies have shown that UV-blocking contact lenses can help block the peripheral light that sunglasses can’t block. So, not only do contact lenses act like sunglasses to protect your eyes, but they do it more effectively! This means if you’ve been taking chances with your protective eyewear in the past, you have time today to make the switch and start using contact lenses to protect against UV radiation.
What to Expect from an Eye Care Center in Cochrane Like River Heights Eye Care
Your contact lens fitting will begin with the eye doctor measuring the surface of your eyes and doing a series of visual testing on your eyes. These tests will determine the type of contacts lenses that are best for you. Whether you decide on daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly wear contact lenses, you’ll know that they are acting as an added layer of protection when you’re out in the sun!
