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Many people enjoy summer because it makes the perfect atmosphere to do a wide range of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to have a picnic in the park or spend a few days at the beach, you should never forget your sunglasses with ultraviolet (UV) protection. 

Why It Matters

You're already aware of the importance of shielding your skin from too much sun exposure. But did you know that your eyes are just as susceptible to the harsh rays of the sun? Excessive exposure to UV light can harm your eyes. The radiation can increase your risks of different eye diseases, such as cataracts and even eye cancers. These problems generally take years to develop. Every time you bask in the sun without UV sunglasses, you become more susceptible to such sight-threatening conditions. 

Those who are in their teens or 20s may develop growths in the eye. A common example is a pterygium, also known as the eye web. It's a pink-colored growth of the conjunctiva. It often occurs in people who live in warm climates with sunny or windy environments and spend a lot of time outdoors. Farmers, surfers, and fishermen are among those who are at an increased risk. Photokeratitis can also easily develop after you've been exposed to UV light reflecting off sand, snow, ice, or water. 

Your Best Protection Against UV Rays

Wearing high-quality sunglasses when outdoors is the best way to protect your eyes from the harsh sunlight. Even when you're staying in a shade, don't forget to wear your UV sunglasses. Shade can indeed reduce your UV light exposure to some degree. But your eyes will still be exposed to the harmful rays reflected off roadways, buildings, and other surfaces. 

Ensure that you choose a pair of sunglasses that block 100 percent of all UV rays. Not all UV sunglasses can shield your eyes against 100 percent UV light. Are you not sure about the amount of protection your sunglasses provide? You may check with an optician to verify that the lenses you choose indeed have a 100 percent UV-blocking technology. If you can, buy UV sunglasses with large lenses or close-fitting, wraparound frames. This way, you can also protect as much of the delicate skin around your eyes as possible. 

It's also worth noting that the amount of UV protection your sunglasses will provide is not related to the color or how dark your lenses are. This means that a light yellow-colored lens will offer the same amount of UV protection as a dark grey lens. 

Depending on your lifestyle, you may also consider sports or performance sunglasses. In addition to UV sunglasses, try wearing a wide-brimmed hat during summer. This can help in reducing UV exposure to your eyes by up to 50 percent. Wearing UV sunglasses is not only vital during summer. Fresh snow can reflect up to 80 percent of UV light. If you love to ski or snowboard, ensure that you opt for lenses that provide adequate UV light protection on the slopes. 

Do you need help with choosing the best UV sunglasses for your trip soon? Contact Super Optical Express in Gainesville, Florida, at 352-702-9700 to make an appointment today.