Lifestyle

Make sure your Sunglasses are more than just a fashion statement this Summer

For many, summer is the greatest time of the year; a chance to get outside, ditch the jackets and soak up the sun. Accompanying many of us in our summer adventures are our trusty sunglasses, many pairs of which, while they may make us look the part at BBQs and garden parties, unfortunately fail when it comes to protecting us from harmful UV rays.

Combine this with the fact that our bodies are extremely limited in protecting from UV – be it directly or via reflection from snow, water and sand – and it’s clear to see that a pair of UV protection sunglasses are a must, even in cloudy weather. Left unprotected, the World Health Organisation warns that ongoing exposure to UV rays can cause photoconjunctivitis, cataracts and even cancer of the eye.

This is why sunglasses that block a minimum of 99% of UV rays are recommended by the Mayo Clinic. Luckily for you, all of our sunglasses offer 100% UV protection, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy your summertime. As you do that, keep in mind these top tips for keeping UV exposure to a minimum for you and your loved ones:

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Sunglasses aren’t just for the sun

You may think you’re safe in the shade, but did you know UV rays can still reach you outside of direct sunlight? Sunlight reflects off everything, from the ground below us to the buildings above, meaning nowhere is a UV free zone. To stay truly safe, make sure you’re wearing your UV protection sunglasses every time you leave the house.

UV-blocking contact lenses aren’t enough

You may think you’re safe with a subtle pair of UV-blocking contact lenses, but these aren’t equipped to protect your whole eye area. Your eyelids and surrounding skin will still be exposed to the rays, so a large lense, close-fitting pair of sunglasses is essential in protecting the wider eye area.

Your complexion isn’t protection

Those of you with darker skin tones may think you don’t need to bother with additional protection, but that’s certainly not the case. While fairer skin is quicker to show the damaging effect of UV, skins of all colours and complexities will suffer. Make sure a good pair of UV protection glasses are part of your wider skin care routine this summer.

Give your kids the gift of UV protection

Many of us believe children don’t need as much UV protection as us adults, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Considering how much time kids spend outdoors in the summer months, we would argue that they need the most protection. Some experts even believe that up to half of a person’s lifetime exposure to UV radiation occurs before the age of 18, meaning it’s the most crucial time for them to be safe and secure in the sun.

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