The trend that Los Angeles LASIK clinics are noticing is that many people only wear sunglasses as an accessory or when it is an especially bright day. LASIK specialists say that, whether or not you have undergone laser eye surgery, sunlight can significantly damage your eyes, just like it can damage your skin.
In the summertime, people are outside more frequently and, with long daylight hours, have increased exposure to UV rays. So, in order to prevent eye health issues down the road, it is important to use appropriate eye protection.
Cloudy days or cold days are no excuse to leave your sunglasses at home. In fact, the temperature has no effect on the amount of light that is seeping through the clouds. Many LASIK eye specialists in Los Angeles say that UV light can still harm you even when you don’t notice it. So, don’t be deceived by the kind of day it is when you look outside. Always have a pair of sunglasses on hand and wear them when you are spending extended periods outside.
When you are purchasing sunglasses to protect your eyes, make sure to choose the ones that are labeled 100% UV protection or UV 400. This means that the lenses are successfully filtering out those harmful rays. Fortunately, you don’t have to compromise on style or budget with UV-blocking sunglasses. There are plenty of attractive shades on the market that will offer the right protection without reaching designer prices.
Sunglasses should be your main source of eye protection during the summer months; however, there’s nothing wrong with adding a hat! Broad-rimmed hats or baseball caps can add another layer of protection by shielding light from directly above.
Another thing to keep in mind for your summer eye protection is the activities that you will be doing. If you are going to be swimming a lot, then you may think about purchasing some UV-blocking swimming goggles. These will not only protect your eyes from the sun but they will also keep your eyes safe from pool chlorine.
If you have children, then you will definitely want to introduce eye protection into their summer routines. While children may not experience the effects of sunlight damage right away, it is still a very real risk to their eye health and it could manifest later in life. Make sunglasses and hats a normal, comfortable part of their outside activities and they will start to pick up the habit.
When you are planning your summer days, make sure to consider when the sun will be at its peak in the sky and try to limit your outdoor activities in direct sunlight. Before noon or after five o’clock are the best times to plan an activity in order to avoid the strongest UV rays.
Your eyes deserve protection all year round, but they especially deserve it during the summer months, when you are more likely to spend extended periods of time outside. Buying some quality glasses, a hat, and maybe some swimming goggles is a low investment that will offer great results. So, make sure to grab your sun protection gear before you hit the beach, the pool, or wherever your summer adventures take you.
If you are tired of being limited by your glasses or contacts during the summer, then you can also visit a LASIK eye center in Los Angeles such as Excel Laser Vision Institute to discuss laser eye surgery. LASIK may be able to help you achieve your vision goals so that you are free to spend the summer how you choose, without worrying about your vision.
