Slip, slop, seek this summer
Post on 5th July 2017
Who can tell what the great British weather has in store for us this summer.
As June’s heatwave showed, temperatures can rocket, so should that blazing sun return then be prepared to Slip, Slop, Seek.
For just as skin is in danger of burning, so are our eyes if they are not protected.
Scrivens optometrist Paul Sidhu explained: “We all think about slapping on the sun cream when the sun’s out, but our eyes can also be at risk from UV exposure. When we suffer from sunburn not only do we see it but we feel it too as our skin is sore and can even blister. However, the problem with eye burn is that it’s invisible; we can’t see or feel it.
“That’s why we are urging the public, young and old, to Slip on a pair of sunglasses, Slop on the sun cream and Seek shade when enjoying the summer sun, whether at home or abroad.”
Prolonged exposure to UV light can contribute to a number of eye health conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts. And just like the skin, tissues in the eye are susceptible to melanomas.
When purchasing sunglasses this summer please look for styles that block both UVA and UVB rays and carry the ‘CE Mark’, British Standard (BS EN 1836:1997) and have a UV 400 label, guaranteeing 100% protection.
Here are some top tips for keeping your eyes healthy this summer:
– Slip on a pair of sunglasses that carry the UV 400 label and cover the sides of your eyes too
– Slop on suncream and try to limit exposure to the sun between 10am and 2pm on really sunny days
– Seek shade, by wearing a broad rimmed hat
Also, don’t…
– just rely on contact lenses even when they have UV protection, remember to wear sunglasses too
– be fooled by clouds as UV rays can penetrate thin clouds and haze
– forget that if you have a prescription you can choose any Scrivens Opticians frame and have them made into sunglasses to suit your sight
Follow these tips and you’ll be set for a sunny but safe summer!
To find out more summer eye health advice call in at your local Scrivens branch.