subject: Sunglasses--- A Must For Both Adults And Kids [print this page] Sunglasses aren't just a fashion accessory or something that adults need to wear on sunny days. Wearing sunglasses, from birth through old age, can help save your eyesight.
Early exposure, long-term damage
Some studies suggest that 80 percent of sun damage occurs by age 18. Long-term exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays is a big factor in vision loss. Studies indicate that too much sunlight may lead to:
1. Cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, which rob adults of eyesight
2. Skin cancer around the eyelids
3. Pterygia (benign growths on the eye's surface that can block vision)
There are three types of UV radiation: UV-A, UV-B and UV-C.
4. UV-A can damage the macula, the part of the retina that controls central vision.
5. UV-B affects the front part of the eye ---the cornea and lens and can cause even more damage than UV-A.
6. UV-C is absorbed by the ozone layer and is not dangerous.
Over-exposure to UV-B rays for short periods can lead to corneal sunburn. This can cause pain, a feeling of grit in the eyes and even short-term vision loss. You can get this kind of exposure at the beach or on a ski slope without proper eye protection. For children, this can cause long-term vision problems.
Bright sun and glare also cause immediate problems. Bright sunlight interferes with your vision and ability to see clearly. It causes you to squint and makes your eyes water.
Since proper eye protection helps prevent future vision loss, make sure that:
1. Your kids wear sunglasses, and they understand why.
2. They keep wearing sunglasses into adulthood.
3. You wear sunglasses, too. If you set a good example, your children will be more likely to get into the habit of wearing sunglasses as well.
