Eyes deserve protection from sun, elements

    The Fort Worth branch of Prevent Blindness Texas is asking Texans to protect their eyes during sunny fall days.

    Using the wrong sunglasses can actually increase the amount of damage the sun does to a person’s eyes, the Prevent Blindness bulletin warns.

    Sunglasses should block 99 to 100 percent of the full UV spectrum to 400 nanometers.

    Unless glasses are labeled with comprehensive UV protection information, they probably do not provide adequate UV protection.

    Some dark glasses cause the pupils to open to let in more light along with more UV radiation.

    Both water and sand reflect the sun’s rays and increase the risk for the problems associated with UV, which affects the eyes over the person’s lifetime.

    Many occasional weeks in the sun will increase a person’s risk of cataracts, cancers of the eye and even macular degeneration.

    Prevent Blindness recommends that parents protect children with wide-brim hats or keep the child under an umbrella on especially sunny days. A hat and sunglasses are recommended for the most complete coverage for children.

    For more information on sight-saving tips on UV protection, contact Prevent Blindness Texas at 817-332-8125.