With all the focus on sunscreen now, it leaves the question are we doing enough? We make sure our skin is protected constantly with sunscreen and even bug repellent if we are going to be close to little critters. But, are we doing all that we can to ensure our whole body is protected? One of the most vulnerable areas on our body when we go outside on sunny days is our eyes. Yes, the sunglasses that we sport, or should be sporting, are more valuable than just a status symbol. They are the most valuable protection we can use when looking to shield our peepers from the sun's harmful effects.

     We are all aware of ultraviolet rays and the damage they can do to our skin but we might not often think of the damage they are doing to our eyes. Permanent damage can occur to the eyes when they are left exposed to UV light. Light that is reflected from water, sand, pavement, or even snow can be the most harmful since they can actually speed up the a burn on the surface of the eyes. Frequent exposure over a prolonged period of time can cause damage to the internal structure of the eye, namely the lens and the retina. Exposure to the sun without quality sunglasses can also cause the formation of cataracts, a clouding of the lens of the eye. This is so dangerous that f enough damage is done, cataract surgery may be required to remove the lense and an artificial one will replace it.

     Also due to the depletion of the ozone layer, the amount of UV light we are exposed to is increasing. While cataracts used to rarely be seen in anyone who was younger than 70, children who are often exposed to the sun light now are developing cataracts in their  20's and 30's/

     That is why we recommend good quality sunglasses which block UV light.