Tis the Season for UV Protection

While spending the Memorial Day weekend at the beach this year, I couldn't help but notice the lack of sunglasses for so many beach goers. It always amazes me that everyone on the beach remembers to protect their skin with sunscreen while in the sun, but the majority have not thought about the importance of sunglasses for eye protection.

UV-A and UV-B rays produced from the sun represent the largest danger to your eyes in both the short term and long term. Large amounts of UV radiation over a short period of time can result in photokeratitis, or a "sunburn to the eye". This can be extremely painful giving extreme light sensitivity, burning eyes, and excessive tearing to someone on a summer vacation, and can also be common in snow skiers without sunglasses. Over the long term, conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration are more common with extended UV exposure.

A high quality pair of polarized sunglasses will block 99 percent of UV rays and help reduce glare when outdoors. These tips from the AOA explain how to properly protect your eyes from the sun this summer.