Protect eyes and skin from harmful UV Rays Keep sunscreen and sunglasses handy

Summer in Eastern Washington offers a lot of recreational possibilities – sun-drenched days of boating on our many waterways, picnics in the park, outdoor games, and hanging out with family and friends on the beach. Unfortunately, these opportunities also mean increased exposure to the damaging effects of the sun on our skin and eyes.

Most of us know about the harmful effects of the sun on our skin. “However, we may not be aware of the necessity to take precautions to protect our eyes as well,” Alex Bountharath, CBHA Eye Care Director said. “The US Department of Health & Human Services warns that the sun’s ultra-violetrays can penetrate the structures of your eyes and cause cell damage.

UV rays, a type of energy released by the sun, are invisible to the eye, yet they can cause eye problems, especially after years of unprotected exposure. Long-term exposure to UV rays can lead to eye and vision-related disorders such as cataracts and macular degeneration (the primary cause of vision loss in seniors), as well as skin cancer around the eyelids. The American Optometric Association recommends wearing quality sunglasses that offer UV protection and wearing a hat or cap with a wide brim whenever you spend time outdoors.

All CBHA clinics carry a large assortment of quality sunglasses. “It’s been said our eyes’ best friend is a good pair of sun glasses,” Bountharath said.

You will want to select sunglasses that filter out 99 to 100 percent of UV rays; labels or tags should clearly state the amount of UV radiation blocked. It is also important that the glasses fit well and stay close to your face (wraparound sunglasses offer the broadest UV protection because they block light that hits your eyes from the sides).

According to Bountharath, it is also important to remember that your risk of eye damage from the sun is much greater when rays are being reflected off water or snow. If you’re planning an outing at the beach or lake, by the pool or on the slopes, be sure to bring your best quality sunglasses!