This summer when you are enjoying the great outdoors, don’t forget sun protection for your eyes. Most of us bring along sunscreen when we head outside because everyone knows about the risk of skin cancer. Well, do you ever think of the risk to your eyes when they are exposed to UV radiation? Many people don’t realize that long hours in the sun without proper eye protection can increase the risk of developing problems such as:

• Cataract: A clouding of the eye’s lens that can blur vision.
• Snow Blindness (Photokeratitis): A temporary but painful
  burn to the cornea caused by a day at the beach without
  sunglasses; reflections off of snow, water, or concrete;
  or exposure to artificial light sources such as tanning beds.
• Pterygium: An abnormal, but usually non-cancerous,
  growth in the corner of the eye. It can grow over the cornea,
  partially blocking vision, and may require surgery to
  be removed.
• Skin Cancer around the Eyelids: Basal cell carcinoma
  is the most common type of skin cancer to affect the
  eyelids. In most cases, lesions occur on the lower lid,
  but they can occur anywhere on the eyelids, in the corners
  of the eye, under the eyebrows, and on adjacent areas
  of the face.

Remember that everyone is at risk for the damaging effects of UV Rays on the eyes. To protect your eyes you should:

• Wear sunglasses every day, even on cloudy days.
• Wear a wide brim hat for extra protection.
• Be sure that your sunglasses block 99-100% of both UV-A
  and UV-B radiation.
• Insist that your children wear sunglasses when outdoors
  as well.