How the sun may be causing damage to your vision

The potential side effects of ultraviolet exposure around the eye is a serious concern for most Americans and it’s not just summer time that we should be protecting our eyes. According to research by The Vision Council, only 21 percent of respondents wear sunglasses all year around. Protecting your eyes from damaging UV rays is very important and it is easier than you think. After all, prolonged UV exposure can cause symptoms from trouble seeing, irritation in the eye, wrinkles around the eyes, and even cancer on or around the eye. With that said, sunglasses should be worn all year long and during daylight hours. UV radiation is not seasonal. That means it is present all year round. That is why fashion editor Zanna Roberts Rassi joins The Hype magazine to inform us on the importance of shielding our eyes from the sun while lending some trendy tips.

What are some of the dangers of exposure to UV light that we may not be aware of?

You know there are so many dangers we are not aware of when it comes to UV light. You’re thinking about trouble seeing, sunburn on eyelids, wrinkles, irritation of eyes, red and swollen eyes, to obviously more extreme things like cancers. Their vision council did a survey to say that 75 percent of us are aware that we should be concerned, but only 21 percent of us are actually wearing sunglasses to protect our eyes during the day

Why is it so important to for us to wear sunglasses today and everyday regardless of the season

You know it’s interesting I think so many of us think the Sun comes out – pop on a pair of sunglasses. This is not always the case. Because you should be wearing sunglasses, whether it’s hot cold cloudy sunny — the UV rays are in action at all times and you should never forget that, especially between the hours of 2:00 and 4:00. So, the vision council did a survey as well to say that most people forget that the rays are at the strongest between 2:00 and 4:00 and this is when we should absolutely be wearing our sunglasses. You know, you pop out after lunch, pop out for a coffee — walking around the streets — put on a pair of sunglasses. Not only is it going to protect you, you’re going to look really cool too.

What styles are trending this summer? And, what should we be considering when choosing our sunglasses

So many things to consider when choosing your sunglasses, like first and foremost, it’s summer, sunglasses are everywhere and you can have anything in any shape or size to shoot your face. You know we see a lot of things trending right now specifically, the circular shapes. You know, you kind of like 60s John Lennon style, we’re also seeing a lot of cat eyes, we’re seeing a lot of triangular shapes. We’ve got some awesome brands here with us. We have everyone from Salvatore Ferragamo, Lam, Maui Jim, Vaughn, Foster Grant, and also these babies, I’m kind of loving right now, these are by Chloe.

The other thing everyone should think about is when choosing sunglasses is UVA UVB protection. Without that you look good, but you’re damaging your eyes. Do not ever forget that. Also think about your face shape you know and what its size. You know are you round? You want to wear something that’s maybe more angular. If you have a square of face, wear something with softer edges, that’s going to soften your face shape.

Where can our viewers go for more information?

So, viewers can go for more information to thevisioncouncil.org/uv and also all viewers should remember to have an annual checkup! An annual eye exam is essential. Do not forget!

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About the Author

David Morales is the Executive Editor of The Hype magazine. A graduate of Eastern Michigan University, David has a background as an artist manager, writer, blogger, drummer, and in the human services industry. He is passionate about helping others, learning and has a deep empathy for the creative process. You can follow his social media @dcypherstudios