A HEALTHY
PERSPECTIVE
Information provided
by the
National Eye Institute
During the sunny
days of summer ...
With summer in full swing and a mighty glare off the water, make sure your sunglasses
practices are up to snuff. A substantial proportion of people still do not understand that
UV exposure is harmful to the eyes as well as the skin. Of those who do understand, few
understand it is the cumulative exposure that can be damaging.
An important reminder: It is NEVER too early to start good sunglasses habits with your children.
While many people in Florida do wear sunglasses, only about half of them make sure their children
wear shades, too, and that can lead to eye problems very early on in life.
In a hot, sunny paradise, a common worry for many is that “sunglasses tan” which farmers and
fishermen are known for. Don’t let tan lines on your face deter you from making sure you have
good-quality sunglasses ... and that you actually wear them. Choose a pair that offers protection
from both UVA and UVB rays. Both types can damage vision. Look for a label that also says the
sunglasses meet ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards.
July/August 2018 GASPARILLA ISLAND 41