Tuesday, September 17, 2013

The simple steps to protect your eyes

Now’s the time to establish some good habits for healthy eyes.

Wear sunglasses

Not many people will wear sunglasses. However, it’s important to don your sunnies even in the shade because UV rays reflect off surfaces such as water, sand and snow. Choose sunglasses with EPF 9 or 10.

Pack a hat

Sun exposure causes most melanomas and the neck and ears are especially vulnerable. A hat is one of the best forms of protection, however some people rarely wear one. Choose a hat with a wide brim made from a tightly-woven fabric.

Slap it on

If you’re not up to speed on the difference between UVA and UVB, here are a couple of pointers. UVA has a longer wavelength, travels through glass and damages collagen, speeding up the ageing process. On the other hand, UVB is shorter, penetrates only through to the epidermis, and causes sunburn and cancerous changes. One in 10 respondents rarely use sunscreen at all. It’s time to slip, slip, slap on a sunscreen that has broad spectrum protection against both UVB and UVA rays.

Protect your family

UV damage to the eyes is cumulative and irreversible, and can contribute to cataracts, macular degeneration and photokeratitis (corneal sunburn). Children and teenagers can be less aware, so make sure they’re protected.

Know your body

If your vision, the colour or the iris of your eye changes, or your eye is red and painful, get it checked out. And if a mole grows, itches or changes shape, see your doctor.


 

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