UV Safety Month: Choose the right sunglasses for you
July is Ultraviolet Safety Awareness Month!
UV safety is important all year long, whether you are inside or outside. UV rays from the sun are even more harmful than any other source. This month, we are shining a light on outdoor UV safety to help keep your eyes healthy while spending any amount of time in the sun.
Most people think of sunscreen when they think of protecting themselves from sunburn. What they don't know is that UV damage has consequences for your eyes, too.
In the short term, it only takes one day of UV overexposure to develop photokeratitis. Like a sunburn of your cornea, photokeratitis can cause extreme sensitivity to light, temporary loss of vision, and swelling or redness of the eyes. This happens from sun exposure and in snow, where the snow and ice reflect light into the eyes. Corneal sunburn in snow and ice is often called "snow blindness."
Damage to the eyes is one of the number one causes of cataracts and macular degeneration, among other issues. Not only that, but the delicate skin around your eyes also suffers, leading to an increased risk of cancer.
It's not only adults that need protection. Kids’ eyes are still developing, and they need UV protection to give their eyes a chance to stay healthy later in life.
Sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection and corrective light-reactive lenses are the best ways to take care of your eyes and the delicate skin around them. Damage is also cumulative, so daily eyewear protection is the best way to stay safe.
We have great news for your summer months! As a VSP member through FEDVIP, you can protect your eyes inside and out with UV protective coatings. These are covered-in-full when you visit a VSP network doctor. You can use your VSP LightCareTM coverage to put your frame and lens allowance toward the purchase of non-prescription sunglasses instead of prescription glassess or contacts. You also get 20% savings on non-prescription sunglasses from a VSP provider within 12 months of your last WellVision Exam®.
To get the most out of your UV-protection coverage, upgrade to the High Option plan during Open Season for a $0 copay on our SunSync® Light-Reactive Lenses. SunSync lenses quickly darken while outside and turn light again indoors, which is perfect for on-the-go protection.
For more information on UV safety, read up on these important eye care tips for purchasing a dependable, high-quality pair of shades.
Information received through VSP Vision Care channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.