The Importance of Sunglasses "One of the most vulnerable areas on our body when we go outside on sunny days is our eyes." With all the focus on sunscreen during the summer months 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 by 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 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 (UV) 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 burn the surface of the eye. Frequent exposure over a prolonged period of time can cause damage to the internal structures of the eye namely the lens and the retina. Exposure to the sun without sunglasses can also cause the formation of cataracts a clouding of the lens of the eye. This is so dangerous that if enough damage is done cataract surgery may be required to remove the lens 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 increasing with each passing year. While cataracts used to rarely be seen in anyone who was younger than seventy children who are often exposed to UV light are now developing cataracts in their twenties and thirties. By KATIE B