When thinking about protecting ourselves from the sun, most of us would think of the other steps of ‘Slip slop slap seek slide’. We are used to practices such as: using sunscreen, finding shade, and wearing protective hats and clothing. But why is the step of wearing sunglasses so important for protecting us from UV radiation?
While radiation from UV can cause sunburns, or damage our skin, which may lead to skin cancer, something else people don’t consider is it’s effects in the eyes. UV radiation can even cause eye conditions like cataracts, ocular melanomas and macular degeneration. It’s so vital that we take all precautions to help stay happy and healthy!
When UV levels are at 3 or above, we should be protecting ourselves with every measure in ‘Slip slop slap seek slide’. But specifically what type of sunglasses should we be sliding on?
SunSmart has lots of advice on choosing the best sun-protective glasses on their website. A few of these key things to look out for include: making sure they fit the Australian standard of eye protection (with a category 2 or higher for them to absorb over 95% of the UV radiation); choosing glasses that are wrap around and are close fitting; and also checking with your optometrist that your prescription sunglasses provide protection from UV.
For more suggestions on eye protection for young children and babies, and also protection for those who work outdoors please visit SunSmart.com.au/protect-your-skin/slide-on-sunglasses ! Source for the image used: https://www.clearly.com.au/thelook/uv-sunglasses-protection/
Recent Comments