We’ve all been told not to stare at the sun, but the total solar eclipse is coming and that’s exactly where we’ll be gazing.
However, staring directly at the sun without proper eyewear is dangerous, which is why special eclipse glasses are being distributed in anticipation of the big event.
But don’t let eye protection be as rare as the eclipse.
Maintaining your eye health is important, and the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause long-term and short-term damage to your vision, according to The Vision Council.
“It’s easy to forget that our eyes are one of the most important body parts we use in our lives, and they’re also one of the most at risk,” said Amy Marko, a senior VP for dental/ vision products at Starmount.
“From digital eye strain to exposure to too much sun on a mountain top, we all need to remember to protect our eyes.”
Tips to maintain vision health:
- UV radiation isn’t just harmful for our skin, in fact, excessive exposure can cause a sunburn of eye. Wear UV blocking sunglasses when you’re in areas where there is lots of reflected sunlight, like on a white sand beach of ski slope.
- Wear shatter-resistant safety glasses when using a lawnmower or weed eater.
- Whether it’s for work, posting photos or shopping – people are constantly looking at a device. Even if it’s for a few hours, staring at a screen strains the eyes. Take frequent breaks when working on a computer to prevent digital eyestrain.
- Studies show a strong correlation between poor vision health and other health issues. Regular eye exams can help with early detection of health issues, which can make treatment easier and less expensive.
