Eyes need protection this summer.

The fact that the sun is intense is no joke. People must be aware of the fact that not just our skin is vulnerable to the UV rays, but also our eyes. Thanks to the fact June 6-12 is the Sun Awareness Week, the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) and the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) started a collaboration which aims to raise awareness regarding the consequences of sun exposure.

From now on, these agencies will verify whether the glasses on the market are effective against sun rays. Furthermore, ophthalmologists warn people that excessive sun exposure increases the risks of many types of eye diseases, such as growths on the eye, cancer, and cataract.

According to Dr. Allan Slomovic, Canadian Ophthalmological Society President (COS), eyes need the same level of protection as skin, so we should protect ourselves from the UV rays if we want to avoid developing eye conditions, including the eyelid, cancer, macular generation and clouding of the eye lens.

Moreover, children and teenagers are the most vulnerable to UV rays because they do not have mature ocular lenses capable of filtering the UV light as the same extent as adults, meaning that the retina could be harmed.

Sunglasses are part of the sun protection package that every person should have during summer. Customers will know if the glasses they buy are effective against sun thanks to a unique logo that will be the proof of the fact that these glasses meet the requirements of the Eye Sun Protection Program.

According to Dr. Vince Bertucci, CDA President, the Sun Protection Program began in 1989 and proved to be very effective since then. Thanks to the officials efforts most people are aware of the fact that UV rays can cause several types of skin cancer and damage the eyes.

It is worth mentioning that along with this initiative, citizens will receive a better education and crucial information regarding the risks and the measures of protection that they should adopt so that they can enjoy the summer and remain healthy.

Regarding the skin, shade is our best bet. Experts advise people to avoid the hottest hours of the day, wear protective clothing and use healthy sunscreen with good SPF.

In addition to this, people can protect their eyes by also wearing wide-brimmed hats that will provide enough shade and will prevent the sun rays from damaging the eyes. Plus, consumers are advised to purchase only prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses with UV- protective lenses.

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