Open your eyes to UV every day

Mar 01, 2019 in Eye Care

Open your eyes to UV everyday text

UV is not just for summer. Come rain or shine, we are all at risk from harmful UV rays, whether we’re sunbathing on a beach in glorious sunshine or walking the dog on an overcast day.

We’re all conscious of the risks of exposing our skin to damaging UV, but only 7% of the UK population are aware of the risks of UV to our eyes.[1]

Open your eyes

In the UK, we often overlook the amount of time we spend outside. This means it’s easy to forget the long term effects of UV damage to your eyes, as well as your skin. Overexposure to UVA radiation has been linked to the development of cataracts and macular degeneration [2], whilst UVB rays are linked to not only sunburn, but premature ageing of the skin and even cancer.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate clouds, meaning that even when you don’t feel the benefits of the sun’s warmth you reap the harmful effects of UV. Furthermore, over 50% of the UV radiation our eyes receive is indirect, meaning that it comes from sources that reflect the light or cause glare. This could be a bright reflection from a shop window, or the glare from a wet road – all of which can cause damage to your eyes.

New habits

Did you know that up to 80% of a person’s lifetime exposure to UV is received before the age of 18? The World Health Organisation advises that, especially before the age of ten, children’s eyes are far more susceptible to UV damage than that of an adult. Up until this age, the lens of a child’s eye is clear, allowing greater solar penetration which inflicts greater UV-induced ocular changes.

As children grow older, the lens grows more opaque and becomes less susceptible to damage. It’s easy to think that because there’s a parasol over a buggy or a floppy hat on their head, children are well-protected against the effects of UV rays, but that’s simply not the case.

The same way you teach your children the importance of wearing a seatbelt and applying sun cream, protecting their eyes must also be a priority to safeguard their sight for years to come.

We’re here to help you choose

Sunglasses aren’t just for summer. Lenses in our sunglasses are designed to not only block UV rays, but to enhance your view whether you’re enjoying a spot of gardening, taking the dog for a walk or feeding the ducks at the lake.

Lightweight, luxurious, comfortable, on-trend, polarised, safe for sports, affordable – tell us your needs and we will meet them by suggesting the perfect sunglasses for you and your family.

We offer a wide range of sunglasses ready for you to try on in store, including prescription sunglasses available from £99. Why not pop in to your nearest Leightons branch and try some on for size? Alternatively, book an appointment online to update your prescription before you start shopping for your new everyday essential.

[1] Transitions UK. Transitions European Study, 2008
[2] https://www.allaboutvision.com/sunglasses/spf.htm