(NC)-As the cool air swiftly moves in and kids head back-to-school, don't be so quick to store away those important sun safety tips you followed in the summer! It's common for people to associate sun exposure to summer time; however, in the fall and winter months, spending time outside, like school recess, still means exposure to UV rays. Up to 80 per cent of the sun's rays can still penetrate light cloud, mist and fog, so it is essential that everyone, especially children, protect their eyes at all times when outdoors.
"Even in the cooler weather, our eyes are constantly exposed to UV radiation," says Dr. Vi Tu Banh, optometrist. "Taking precautionary measures to preserve eye health are important throughout the entire year."
A child, on average, receives almost three times the annual UV exposure compared to an adult, so it's important to know that prolonged UV exposure contributes to long-term eye damage including cataracts and macular degeneration if the eyes are not properly protected. Everyone - from children to adults - can protect their eyes by choosing to wear eyewear that offers adequate UVA and UVB protection. For example, wearing photochromic lenses, like Transitions lenses, which automatically change from clear to dark in the presence of UV radiation, can help block 100 per cent of UV rays and enhance visual contrast and lessen eyestrain and fatigue to help you see better.
So, no matter what the temperature is outside, protecting your eyes from UV radiation is a critical aspect to eye health, and even though your vision may be clear, regular eye exams can help detect changes in the eye caused by underlying health problems. Making yearly eye exams part of your family's regular health routine will help ensure healthy sight for years to come.
For more information and tips about healthy sight, visit www.transitions.com.
- News Canada