We all want to protect our vision no matter what. Being visual creatures, our vision is critical to our wellbeing at all stages of our life. What if there were some easy ways to protect your eyes from sun damage, though? It turns out that there are! Here are some ideas for you.
Hats off to Big Hats
One of the easiest ways to protect your eyes from sun damage is with a large-brimmed hat. Of course, any hat is better than no hat at all, but size does matter in terms of brim size: the bigger the better! There are now many hats that will provide protection, and kids in particular really need protection. Here’s one hat you can get from Amazon (just do a search for others).
Sunscreen
How much sunscreen do you need to protect your eyes against sun damage? Figure about an ounce (or a shot glass full of sunscreen) for your whole body. Yes, it seems like a lot, but once it absorbs into your skin, that’s the recommended amount. “It is very unlikely that you’re applying too much sunscreen — most people don’t apply enough, which is why undesirable sunburns and tanning can occur despite sunscreen application.” says Elizabeth K. Hale, of the Skin Cancer Foundation. Also, “most sunscreen is safe to use on and around the eyelid region (without putting it in your eye, of course). However, you’ll want to be careful about what type of sunscreen you use, as this area tends to be more delicate and sensitive. Mineral formulas, made with zinc or titanium dioxide, are a good choice, as they are made for sensitive skin and won’t sting your eyes as you sweat.” says Susan Boiko, M.D.
Avoid the Sun at Peak Hours
The hours between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. are when the sun is at its strongest. So an obvious way to protect your eyes from sun damage and avoid skin cancer is to avoid the damaging rays of the sun during those hours. The American Cancer Society suggests using the shadow test if you’re unsure whether the sun’s rays are at their strongest: “If you are unsure how strong the sun’s rays are, use the shadow test: if your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun’s rays are the strongest, and it’s important to protect yourself.”
Giant Sunglasses
Like big hats, big sunglasses tend to protect your eyes from sun damage the best. There are so many fashion-forward sunglasses that you don’t need to worry about looking silly. However, the National Academy of Ophthalmology suggests choosing sunglasses that protect against 100% of UV light. The color of the lenses doesn’t matter, so if those orange or pink glasses suit your fancy, get them–so long as they give you protection from UV rays.
Window Film
Window film is one of the easiest ways to protect your eyes from sun damage UV because once it’s installed, you don’t have to think about it. And once it’s on your windows, you won’t even know it’s there. In case you’re unfamiliar with window film, you might like: Five Amazing Ways Window Film Can Make You Healthier.
[…] Anti-graffiti film can also provide you with UV protection. While this might not be a big deal on a metal surface, UV protection can keep your merchandise safe from discoloration from harsh UV rays. And did you know that UV rays can travel through clouds? So even on a foggy San Francisco day, UV rays are right there with you. Your customers will also benefit from having less glare while they’re in your business. Shopping and doing business isn’t fun if you have the sun in your eyes. Learn more about how to protect your eyes from sun damage. […]