Too much sun is not good for anyone, and that includes your eyes! Just like skin damage, it is the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun that causes the problems. If your eye is damaged by the sun then it is likely that the damage would have built up over time (cumulative), and can unfortunately have permanent effects on your eyes and vision.

England, and the rest of the UK, is not known for having the best weather, however this does not mean that your eyes are safe! Even on cloudy days you should follow the same steps to ensure that you keep your eyes safe.

UV radiation is invisible to humans. It is made up of three different wave length: UVA, UVB and UVC. UVB is absorbed by the cornea, so therefore does not penetrate through to the retina. UVC is absorbed by the earth atmosphere. UVA rays are not absorbed by the eyes, so can cause damage to the lens and retina.

UV radiation is also emitted from sun beds in a more concentrated form; it is essential that you wear eye protection if you go on a sun bed.

How can I take care of my eyes?

It is quite easy to protect your eyes from UV radiation and is also very important. You should NEVER look at the sun directly, as this can do irreversible damage to your eye and in some cases even lead to blindness. We advise that you buy good quality, dark sunglasses that carry the ‘CE’ mark and the British Standard BS EN 1836:1997 (these do not have to be expensive). This will ensure that the glasses are of a high standard and offer a good level UV protection. If you primarily work outside, you should aim to wear sun glasses all the time, as you may be at a higher risk of developing conditions that are related to UV radiation exposure.