As the region basks in a prolonged period of good weather, here at Alex Gage, we’re alerting people to the danger that the sun’s rays pose to eye health.
Alex says: “People know the dangers of hot weather with regard to sunburn and dehydration, but are less aware of the damage that the sun can do to your eyes. The intense ultraviolet (UV) rays associated with strong summer sunlight can damage the sensitive cells in the eyes and this damage may eventually affect vision.
“The eyes are 10 times more sensitive to UV damage than our skin and there are a number of conditions associated with extended exposure to UV rays including cataracts, macular degeneration and some forms of eye cancer.
“Because up to 80 per cent of the eyes’ UV exposure happens before the age of 18, it’s particularly important to protect children’s eyes with a hat and wrap-around sunglasses or UV-blocking contact lenses when they are outside in the sun.
“Even the best quality sunglasses can let UV rays in around the rims, so we recommend buying your sunglasses from an optician as we can advise on the best fit.”
For those of you afflicted by hayfever, sunglasses also act as a physical barrier to help relieve eye related symptoms.
We also stock contact lenses with a high level of UV-blocking at both of our practices at Woodseats and Crosspool. The UV-blocking filters sit right over the cornea and lens of the eye to protect it. Acuvue lenses are proven to block more than 98% of UVB and 85% of UVA rays as standard.