Warning UV rays causing eye damage | Coffs Coast News | Local News in Coffs Coast

Don’t forget the sunnies this summer.

WITH the summer season upon us, many Australians will be hitting the beaches with their families and friends.

Most Australians understand the link between ultraviolet (UV) radiation and skin cancer, al- though many of us are less aware of the connection between UV radiation and eye damage.

This week, Surf Life Saving Coffs Harbour joined Specsavers to encourage residents to take particular care of their eyes when in the sun this summer.

As strong supporters of the local Surf Life Saving Club, the team at Specsavers Coffs Park Beach invited a team of young lifesavers to the store to help raise awareness about the importance of high quality UV eye protection.

Elaine Walsh, co-owner for Specsavers Optometrists in Coffs Harbour, said “Aussies, especially surf lifesavers, have grown up with the ‘slip slop slap’ message. However, many people are forgetting about their eyes. As the summer season hits, we’re calling on everyone to make sure they invest in prescription sunglasses or UV tints for their lenses. ”

UV radiation from the sun can damage not only the skin of your eyelids, but also the clear outer parts of the eye and in some cases lead to development of certain types of cataracts.

Tips for protecting your eyes from the sun:

While a broad brimmed hat will block a great deal of UV radiation, it’s also extremely important to wear sunglasses to reduce the effects of harmful UV rays.

Sunglasses and a hat worn together is the best combination to reduce UV radiation exposure to the eyes.

Always choose glasses which meet Australian standards, so look for the code AS 1067, which can be found on the swing tag of approved sunnies.

If you wear prescription glasses don’t sacrifice clear vision to protect your eyes from the sun’s rays – your local optometrist can fit you with prescription sunglasses, or you could consider transition lenses in your regular specs.