While the summer brings an abundance of water fights and lemonade stands, it also offers a lot of its mainstay: SUN. As the hot funfest of the year, this cherished season tans our skin, frees our minds, and . . . damages our eyes?

Unless you keep your eyes shut throughout the hoopla of summer, there is a big chance they’ll end up sunburned and sore.

Instead of attempting to bathe them in sunscreen, try the simple, stylish, scent-free alternative: sunglasses!

Avoid the Impairment

Though sunglasses may be just what the eye doctor ordered when it comes to a case of sunny days and UV-filled festivities, only 60% of adults in the U.S wear them outside. Instead of protecting their eyes from the damaging effects of UV radiation,

Americans are risking short- and long-term vision problems, such as:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Hypersensitivity to light
• Irritation
• Sunburn (Photokeratitis)
• Cataracts (eye clouding)
• Pterygium (an abnormal growth on eye/eyelid)
• Cancer to eyes/eyelids
• Macular degeneration (loss of vision)

If that list is enough to frighten you into wearing sunglasses, think of how important it is to protect your precious little one’s eyes from sun exposure. As connoisseurs of the outdoors, kids get up to three time (three times!) the annual sun exposure of adults.

Think about it: without sunglasses, children will have acquired 80% of lifetime exposure to UV rays by the time they’re eighteen.

Don’t risk the damage. Find the right protection UV protection for you and your family.

Seek the Safe Shades

Sunglasses come in all shapes and sizes. It’s important to know which ones will offer the best sun buffer. When buying any pair of shades, make sure there is a sticker or label that indicates UVA or UVB protection. Unless professionally tested, your sunglasses may not be providing you with the protection you need.

• Invest in prescription (or non-prescription) sunglasses
• Get polarized protection (ask you optometirst if plarized lens are best for you)
• Wear UV-protective eyewear
• Buy clip-ons or fit-overs (easy to use, easy to find)
• Swim with UV-protected goggles

Protecting your eyes is usually easy, but what about protecting your kids’ eyes? It’s simple. The most important thing you can do is adhere to the age-old truism: monkey see, monkey do. Be the perfect example for your kids by always wearing your pair of protective sunglasses when out and about—they’ll be eager to do the same. To find out more about proper eye care, browse our site or contact us today.