Exposure to the sun can lead to serious sight problems

With the summer months fast approaching a Suffolk based health expert is urging people to protect their eyes from the sun.

The dangers of exposing the skin to powerful rays are well documented, but over exposure to sunlight can also seriously damage eyesight.

Powerful ultra-violet (UV) radiation from the sun’s rays are a major risk to the eye’s retina and cornea and over exposure can cause serious and sometimes permanent visual impairment. UV exposure can cause catarachts (cloudy formations on the lense inside the eye), Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). and sunburn to the surface of the eye.

Children are among those at most risk from UV rays. Scientific research shows 80% of all UV exposure is in the first 18 years of life, as children’s eyes let in more UV.

Laura Zagni, a senior optician at sister companies Wardale Williams and Observatory the Opticians, which have practices in Ipswich, Sudbury, Beccles, Southwold, Haverhill and Halstead, said:

“We all know to protect our skin when exposing it to the sun, but people tend to forget about their eyes even though the risks are just as great."

“This issue needs to be raised quite significantly as sun damage to eyes is on the increase and it is largely due to the fact people don’t realise the dangers."

“If people fail to protect their eyes from the powerful rays generated by the sun they are potentially gambling with their sight.”

The best way to protect the eyes from the UV rays is by wearing sunglasses or tinted lenses.

Sunglasses, or shades, are largely seen as a ‘trendy’ accessory often sported by film, sports and fashion icons. However, the benefits of wearing sunglasses go way beyond looking good, they also provide significant health benefits.

“Wearing sunglasses is something that is considered cool, but they are also the best way to protect eyes from potential damage during the summer season”, said Laura. “These days prescription glasses can easily be upgraded with tinted lenses at very affordable prices, and I advise anyone who hasn’t already to make sure they have sunglasses ready for when the hot weather arrives.”

Wardale Williams has been operating since 1949 and has practices in Sudbury, Haverhill and Halstead, Essex. Observatory The Opticians is the sister company which has the same traditional values and technological driven eyecare. It has traded since 1989 with branches Southwold, Beccles, Ipswich, as well as in Leigh on Sea, Essex, and a flagship practice in Muswell Hill, North London.

For more information www.wardalewilliams.co.uk www.observatory.co.uk

Members of the media needing more information please contact Patrick Lowman on 01787 370120 or 07792 428555.

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