Protecting Your Eyes From The Sun

by Lori Brenig, MPH

QUESTION: Summer is here! Why do I need sunglasses, and what kind of sunglasses should I wear?

ANSWER: Everyone who has had a painful sunburn knows how much damage the sun can do to our skin; the sun can also damage our eyes. The “sunburn rays” are called ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and include two types of damaging rays: UV-A and UV-B. Some of the damage can happen right away, and some can be over a lifetime of exposure.

Good quality sunglasses help to protect your eyes from harmful UV radiation. When you buy sunglasses, look for a statement on how much UV radiation they block from reaching the eyes. The more UV rays that are blocked the better. Experts say that your sunglasses should block 99-100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B rays. Also, lenses should block at least 70 percent of visible light. If you are in intense light, such as at the beach or on snow, you should choose sunglasses that block all but 10-15 percent of visible light. It’s often hard to tell how much protection sunglasses provide since manufacturers do not always state the amount of UV radiation and visible they block. Read the labels carefully. And, don’t forget to wear a hat – a brim protects your eyes from overhead light.

QUESTION: What about my children?

ANSWER: Make sure the sunglasses fit well (on the head and around the nose) and are not damaged. The glasses should be impact-resistant, polycarbonate lenses, and should be bendable, unbreakable and/or have snap-on temples. Children’s sunglasses should never be made of glass, unless required by their eye doctor. And the lenses should be large enough to shield the eyes from most angles. Be sure to put a wide-brimmed hat on your child, too.

Ms. Brenig is Program Director, Prevent Blindness New York. For more information on finding an eye care professional near you, or if you have difficulty paying for your child’s eye care, please contact her at 212-980-2020, x13.

If you would like to make a donation to help children get the necessary eye care, please send to: New York City Children’s Vision Coalition, 149 Madison Avenue, Suite 805, New York, NY 10016. Thank you!

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