Who said protection couldn’t be stylish?
Image by Ramesh Ram
No matter who you are or where you’re from, we all have eyes that need protecting from the sun. People will be careful about their skin with SPF lotion, but when it comes to the eyes, people often go with no protection at all. Here are my top five ways to ensure your peepers remain as bright and long lasting as they can.
1. Protect children
Apparently most eye damage is caused when were young as children’s eyes transmit more UVA rays to the retina. This makes them more susceptible to sun damage so it’s best to start early and ensure your children protect their eyes from the go.
2. Wear a wide brimmed hat
This is your chance to officially shell out for that oversized Mexican sombrero or wide-brimmed beauty. It’s the bigger the better with this protection game.
3. Check your contacts
Some contact lenses are already UV-B proof. The strongest type is the ‘class one blocker’. Don’t use this as an excuse not to follow the rest of the tips though, the more protection the better.
4. Listen to your eyes.
If you’re squinting and getting headaches, you know that your eyes are telling you something. Continual dotting across your vision is a large cry for help and calls for some serious time out in a dark or shady area. Aiming to keep out of the sun between one and three can also help avoid ruining your only pair of eyes.
5. Get plenty of shade
Your skin may be coping and your head may feel fine but try to ensure that you have some time in the shade so your eyes can recover. Sun light can reflect into your eyes from bright white surroundings, mirrors, windows, paper books etc. It’s easy to forget but not easy to fix and can often leave you feeling drained at the end of your day.
6. Buy anti-UV-B sunglasses
Wearing sunglasses is a given but buying a pair that protects you from UV rays is most important. You can check if your sunglasses carry the UV 400 label or the CE Mark which is the British Standard label. If you don’t, you run the risk of cataract development and eye cancer. Also ensure you get your glasses direct from a trusted seller. There’s no room for cutting corners when it comes to your sight.
So those are my personal top tips for protecting your eyes from the sun. What are yours?
Susannah Perez is a passionate fashionista who loves a Monocle magazine, frappe and health tip. She is a self confessed lingerie addict with a passion for burlesque, makeup and vintage London markets. She currently writes for Valley Optics.