by COURTNEY BEAUMONT, OD
Despite the recent rain, we residents of the Sunshine State still make time to enjoy the Florida sunshine. Nothing says happiness like a day at the lake with family and friends. But, while we all know that the sun can cause damage to our skin in the form of sunspots and skin cancers, did you know that the sun can also cause damage to your eyes and the skin around your eyes? What does damage to your eyes from the sun look like, you ask? Sun damage to the eyes can cause scar tissue on the white part of your eye (pinguecula), worsening cataracts and macular degeneration, and skin cancer on the eyelids. So, protecting your eyes from the sun is vital to protecting your happiness!
Sunglasses have long been used to complete a fashion look, create a mysterious persona, or shield a celebrity from prying paparazzi. While looking fabulous is definitely a time when happiness happens, we know that sunglasses are more than a fashion statement. Sunglasses are an essential part of protecting your overall eye health and wellness. So what should you look for when choosing a pair of sunglasses for sun protection?
- UV Protection
- Don’t be fooled, the darker the lens has NOTHING to do with the amount of harmful UV rays that the lenses block. Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
- Size
- Remember that we are trying to protect the skin around your eyes, too! Small frames that sit far from your face aren’t offering an adequate level of protection for the delicate skin around your eyes. Choose a frame that has a wrap-around style or that has a larger front.
- Polarization
- Polarized lenses in a pair of sunglasses reduce distracting glare and help sharpen your vision in bright sunlight.
Protect your happiness; protect your eyes. So let the doctors at The Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida help you find the perfect pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes. Call us today at 800-282-3937 or visit us online at EYESFL.COM to schedule your appointment or visit our optical departments to find your next sunglasses!
Bio: Dr. Courtney Beaumont is a board-certified optometrist who practices at the Lakeland-Highlands location for Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida and is accepting new patients at this time.
This column is sponsored by Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFHN or of its advertisers.