Sun protection and your eyes

For all ages, protecting your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) radiation is just as important as putting on sunscreen to protect your skin, and it is an issue through every season of the year. The glare from snow can be just as harmful as the glare from water.

Most sunglasses block between 60 to 92 per cent of visible light and UVA rays and between 95 to 99 per cent of UVB rays. Most UV radiation is absorbed by the anterior structures of the eye, although some of it reaches the light-sensitive retina. Age-related eye diseases, skin cancer around the eyes and vision loss can be caused by UV exposure throughout your life.

Children, up to 18 years of age, have little to no protection from UV so sunglasses and hats are very important.

Speak to your optometrist about your best options. In addition to appropriate sunglasses, wearing a wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap can provide further protection.